The US Navy has moved into the source-selection phase of its subsonic, subscale aerial target system flight demonstration competition following tender closure on 25 August.
The demonstration is intended to validate USN requirements for a new-generation target system that is more representative of current threats, and pre-identify off-the-shelf solutions ahead of a potential acquisition programme.
Multiple-source selections are possible under the solicitation structure, with the USN planning a total of five flights for each of the selected systems. Awards are anticipated later this year, with the demonstrations to take place within one year of contract signature at the Point Mugu naval air warfare centre, north of Los Angeles in California. Initial ground-based radar cross-section measuring tests are expected to be completed by the USN within the first seven months of contract signatures.
The USN currently operates Northrop Grumman BQM-34S Firebee, BQM-74E Chukar and BQM-74F targets.
The solicitation, released in July, mandated the use of existing production aerial targets, either as-is or with cost-effective modifications, for the demonstration effort.
It sought systems capable of flying Mach 0.9 at 6.5ft (2m) above mean sea level with a Mach 0.95 capability preferred. The system is also required to be able to perform 6g weave manoeuvres at minimum altitude as well as 8g instantaneous manoeuvres, again at minimum altitude.
Proposed system range is 740km (400nm) while at 20,000ft and cruising at 500kt (925km/h), but with this distance falling to 370km when travelling at Mach 0.9 and an altitude of 50ft. The system is expected to be able to reach altitudes of 50,000ft.
Source: FlightGlobal.com