Aerial Targets

The Aerial Targets program, managed by the Navy, is designed to provide threat-representative aerial targets for testing, evaluation, and fleet training events. Its primary goal is to simulate subsonic and supersonic Anti-Ship Cruise Missile (ASCM) threats to test and evaluate Navy ship self-defense systems. This program is crucial for completing independent operational tests before these systems are deployed to the fleet. Additionally, some variants serve as training assets to enhance fleet readiness in counter-ASCM missions.

The Subsonic Aerial Targets component focuses on procuring and sustaining various target models such as the BQM-177A, BQM-34S, and BQM-167A. The BQM-177A, which replaced the BQM-74E, provides high subsonic sea-skimming threat emulation for fleet training and testing of defensive weapon systems. Support is provided for the procurement of these targets along with necessary hardware, mission kits, avionics upgrades, and software enhancements. The BQM-167A is utilized by USN squadrons at Tyndall Air Force Base for live fire events under the Navy Weapon System Evaluation Program.

For Supersonic Targets, the program develops and procures targets like the GQM-163A Supersonic Sea Skimming Target (SSST) to replicate supersonic ASCM threats. These targets are essential for testing USN ship self-defense systems and supporting fleet training exercises such as Live Fire With a Purpose pre-deployment requirements. The program also includes modifications like converting AGM-88 missiles into inert targets to simulate supersonic threats.

The Full Scale Aerial Target (FSAT) component involves the QF-16 FSAT program led by the USAF, providing full-scale threat representative targets for testing aircraft and weapon systems like the Joint Strike Fighter and AIM missiles. Target Augmentation and Auxiliary Systems procure ground control systems necessary for operating aerial targets safely while simulating electronic attacks and radar emissions found on current threat missiles. This ensures a high-fidelity simulation environment critical for maintaining fleet readiness against emerging threats.