Fri, Sep 09, 2011
300-lb UAS Runs Interference (Literally) For Manned
Aircraft
The US Air Force demonstrated that Raytheon Company's Miniature
Air Launched Decoy Jammer could protect aircraft when it completed
the first test of the MALD-J in a simulated operational
environment.
MALD is a state-of-the-art, low-cost flight vehicle that is
modular, air-launched and programmable. It weighs less than 300
pounds and has a range of about 500 nautical miles. The current
MALD family includes both the baseline MALD and a stand-in jammer
variant called the MALD-J.
"This test marked the greatest number of multiple Raytheon MALD
vehicles airborne at once and demonstrated MALD-J's ability to
protect manned aircraft," said Harry Schulte, vice president of
Raytheon Missile Systems' Air Warfare Systems product line.
"Completion of this test also removes the last major hurdle toward
MALD-J completing a Functional Configuration Audit."
In an FCA, the government validates that the system meets all
requirements and performs to specifications. With the completion of
the FCA, the U.S. Air Force could authorize a Milestone C decision
– the decision to begin production – by the end of
2011.
The flight test was the most rigorous and complex test to date.
Multiple MALD-Js in free flight and multiple captive-carry MALD-Js
conducted electronic attack missions and demonstrated MALD-J's
ability to operate in a dynamic environment with a manned aircraft
strike package.
The baseline MALD, which is currently in production, protects
aircrew and airborne systems by mimicking the signatures and combat
flight profiles of US and allied aircraft. The MALD-J protects
aircrew and airborne systems by reducing or eliminating the need
for manned stand-in jamming aircraft.
More News
Say Altitude Used by ATC to ascertain an aircraft's specific altitude/flight level. When the aircraft is climbing or descending, the pilot should state the indicated altitude round>[...]
Aero Linx: European Air Law Association (EALA) EALA was established in 1988 with the aim to promote the study of European air law and to provide an open forum for those with an int>[...]
From 2023 (YouTube Version): The Life, Death, Life, Death, and Life of a Glorious Warbird In 1981, business-owner Jim Tobul and his father purchased a Chance-Vought F4U Corsair. Mo>[...]
Also: USCG Retires MH-65 Dolphins, Irish Aviation Authority, NATCA Warns FAA, Diamond DA42 AD This summer, history enthusiasts will have a unique opportunity to experience World Wa>[...]
Also: WACO Kitchen Bails, French SportPlane Mfr to FL, Dynon-Advance Flight Systems, Innovation Preview Bobby Bailey, a bit of a fixture in sport aviation circles for his work with>[...]