Raytheon has partnered with General Atomics
Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) to integrate its miniature air launched decoy
(MALD) into thePredator B/MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft (RPA).
The companies have already completed the
ground verification test phase at GA-ASI's Gray Butte Flight Operations
Facility in Palmdale, California, US, in November 2012.
Raytheon Missile Systems Air Warfare Systems
vice president Harry Schulte said the new product offers enhanced electronic
warfare capability facilitating remote, unmanned suppression of enemy air
defences.
"Integrating MALD weaponry on remotely
piloted aircraft systems is integral to maintaining air superiority in today's
and tomorrow's conflicts," Schulte added.
Weighing less than 300lb, the ADM-160 MALD is
an advanced, air-launched and programmable flight vehicle designed to confuse
enemy integrated air defense systems (IADS), by duplicating friendly aircraft
flight profiles and radar signatures in the battlefield.
The low-cost vehicle is capable of
duplicating all combat flight profiles and signatures of US and allied aircraft
over a range of approximately 500nm, and executes a pre-programmed mission
following its release from the host aircraft, primarily the F-16
Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft.
MALD does not require communication with, or
guidance from, other aircraft or ground stations once it is launched.
As well as safeguarding valuable aircraft,
the system also offers counter-air operations to neutralise air defence systems
that pose a threat to the US and allied pilots. Incorporation of MALD into the
aircraft is expected to be completed in 2013.
The MQ-9 Reaper is a medium-to-high altitude,
long-endurance unmanned aircraft system (UAS) designed to conduct close air
support, air interdiction and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance
missions.
The drone is currently operational with the
US Air Force, Navy, Customs and Border Protection, as well as Italy and the UK
Royal Air Force (RAF).