NGC Enhances Missile Defense With Successful Flight of Air-Launched Ballistic Missile Target

Northrop Grumman successfully launched a threat-representative target for the Missile Defense Agency’s (MDA) Long Range Discrimination Radar non-intercept operational flight test on June 23.

• Northrop Grumman rapidly configures target vehicles to replicate current and emerging adversary threats by combining an industry-leading portfolio of advanced avionics, adaptable vehicle enhancement kits, advanced payloads and expertise in solid rocket motors.
• The target was dropped from a C-17 transport aircraft, then ignited in the air before performing its mission. The target’s air-launch capability provides geographic flexibility, meaning the target can be launched to and from a wide range of locations and follow a variety of trajectories to meet mission requirements.
• To date, Northrop Grumman has delivered 26 target vehicles and has supported 11 missile defense flight tests since 2011. The remaining target vehicles will be used in future flight tests to support MDA’s Integrated Master Test Plan.

Expert:
Robin Heard, director of targets and interceptors, Northrop Grumman: “Through partnership with MDA, we design and launch target vehicles that replicate threats warfighters are likely to encounter operationally. Our target vehicles play a critical role in testing the missile defense systems that defend the nation and our allies to ensure they will be effective when it matters most.” 

Details:
The company’s targets are mission tailored to emulate customer specified threats and used to test the nation’s missile defense systems including the Ground-Based Midcourse Defense system, Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System, Terminal High Altitude Area Defense and Patriot air defense system.

Northrop Grumman is a trusted integrator and leading provider of threat-representative targets used to test the nation’s missile defense systems. With a track record of delivering game-changing defense technology, the company applies its unmatched capability depth to develop new target capabilities including multi-launch vehicles and advanced front ends.

Northrop Grumman is the leading global aerospace and defense technology company. Our pioneering solutions equip our customers with the capabilities they need to connect and protect the world, and push the boundaries of human exploration across the universe. Driven by a shared purpose to solve our customers’ toughest problems, our employees define possible every day.