Ramjet power would allow surface-to-air missile to cruise at Mach 2 and fly further

Russia's NPO Molniya is studying development of a ramjet-powered target based on the S-75 (Fakel V-750 A-2 Guideline) surface-to-air missile, according to local press reports quoting a defence ministry source.

Moscow-based Molniya has previously developed the RM-75, based on the obsolete two-stage S-75, in versions capable of simulating air targets flying at low and high altitudes. Ramjet power would give the target a cruise speed of Mach 2 and increase range at altitudes below 1,600ft (500m) from 40km (21nm) to 70km.

The reports say Molniya has received a defence ministry proposal to develop the requirements for a ramjet-powered target based on the S-75. Draft technical requirements are to be submitted by the end of this month and, if approved, the ministry plans to sign a contract for development of the ramjet-powered target.

In the USA, Orbital Sciences is developing the ducted rocket/ramjet-powered GQM-163A Coyote supersonic sea-skimming target to replace the US Navy's obsolete MQM-8 Vandal. A fourth flight test is scheduled for this month, with a low-rate production contract expected this year. The ground-launched Coyote is capable of cruising at M2.5+, and has a range of around 90km at altitudes below 20ft.

The US Navy also operates the MA-31 ramjet-powered air-launched target, modified by Boeing from the Russian Zvezda-Strela Kh-31 (AS-17 Krypton) supersonic anti-ship missile. A $19 million contract for 34 targets was placed in 1999, and Boeing hopes to overcome delays and conclude a deal for 41 more missiles for conversion to MA-31s.

The navy, meanwhile, is surveying industry capability to develop a target that would cruise subsonically then sprint supersonically, with development to begin in fiscal year 2006, leading to initial operational capability in FY2010. The requirement is to mimic Russian Alfa, Klub and Yakhont anti-ship missiles that have a supersonic sprint capability. The USN has considered acquiring P-900 Alfas for conversion to targets (Flight International, 21-27 December 2004).

Source: Flight International