Mirach subsonic aerial targets are now operational with the UK's unmanned subsonic Combined Aerial Target Service.
The targets are built by Selex Galileo and have been enhanced to allow integration of technologies such as chaff and flare, an intense on-board heat source, miss distance indicator capabilities, radar enhancements and an IFF transponder, plus the ability to present towed IR and semi automatic radar targets.
Mirach verification and evaluation was carried out by Qinetiq as part of its contract to provide the CATS programme, which includes an air-to-air service for the Royal Air Force, ground-based air defence training for the British Army and aerial target services for the Royal Navy.
Mirach operations have started from land-based ranges and the CATS provision will also allow them to be launched from a ship.
Other CATS targets include the Meggitt-manufactured Banshee basic aerial target and Pop-up ground-based helicopter target.
Source: Flight International
