Acquisition of a target simulating Russia's 3M-54E anti-ship missile, which combines subsonic and supersonic sea-skimming stages, is moving ahead, with the US Navy issuing a draft request for proposals for the Multi-Stage Supersonic Target (MSST).
The target will meet the US Navy's Threat D requirement to simulate "a family of missiles with subsonic cruise, a separation event and supersonic dash", says programme manager Capt Patrick Buckley. This differs from the supersonic sea-skimming missiles simulated by the USN's Orbital Sciences GQM-163 Coyote.
Threat D is not identified, but the 3M-54E - NATO codename SS-N-27 Sizzler - is a surface/submarine-launched missile that flies for the majority of its 300km (160nm) range at high subsonic speed. At 60km from the target a solid-rocket terminal stage separates and accelerates to Mach 2.9 to defeat ship defences.
MSST is required to simulate all phases of the missile's flight, "but the most critical is the transition dynamics when it goes from subsonic cruise to supersonic sprint", says Buckley. Potential solutions could include the modification of existing subsonic or supersonic targets or missiles, he says.
More than 25 companies attended an MSST industry day on 31 July, including five to seven potential primes, says Buckley. The final RFP is expected by late October/early November, leading to award of a development contract in May/June next year. The US Navy wants "a realistic, executable approach to development in terms of cost and schedule", he says.
Source: Flight International
