Defence

Separation testing of Raytheon's AGM-160B miniature air-launched decoy (MALD) from a Lockheed Martin F-16 has been completed, and free-flight testing is planned to begin in the first quarter of next year. Captive-carry tests have been completed on the Boeing B-52, with separation and free-flight tests to begin next year.

Weighing about 115kg (250lb), the turbojet-powered MALD is designed to be launched by F-16s and B-52s to stimulate and confuse enemy air defences, a group of decoys flying a pre-programmed mission profile while mimicking the aircraft signatures of a strike package. Any vehicles not engaged by the air defences would disperse and loiter in the area for an extended period, says Raytheon.

Nine F-16 separation flights took place between May and July, says Raytheon, which was awarded the MALD development contract in 2003. The releases, at various speeds and altitudes, demonstrated safe and stable separation from different pylon locations, it adds.