MALD successfully completes first powered flight test mission

  • Published
  • By Capt C. J. Hale
  • 692nd Armament Systems Squadron
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The Miniature Air Launched Decoy Team successfully accomplished the program's first powered flight test mission Apr. 30.

An F-16 aircraft, piloted by Maj Houchins, 46th Test Wing Operatiosn Group, and accompanied by instructor pilot LtCol Jimmie Mitchell, 40th Flight Test Squadron, carried the MALD. The MALD was launched over the Eglin Test Range at 20,000 feet. It successfully entered powered flight and reached speeds up to 0.9 Mach while executing a series of pre-planned flight maneuvers. MALD's Global Positioning System navigation and guidance was active during the flight.

This first-ever MALD turbojet engine powered flight was preceded by two successful non-engine MALD glide tests.

MALD is a small, low cost, air launched, expendable decoy. It measures 112 inches long and weighs approximately 285 pounds. MALD employs a robust swing-wing design to sustain flight during a variety of mission profiles while being powered by a compact Hamilton-Sundstrand turbojet engine. MALD's mission is to stimulate and saturate threat Integrated Air Defense Systems and to ultimately increase friendly aircraft survivability.

This MALD was launched from an non-electrically interfaced aircraft ejector rack, which means MALD required no electrical power or communications from the launching F-16 aircraft - a first of its kind for a GPS/INS navigating weapon. Future missions beginning in June 07 include MALD launches from the B-52, which employs a Mil-Std-1760 electrical interface supplying power and communication prior to launch.

"This team works amazingly well together," said Ken Watson, 692nd Squadron Director. "They thrive on challenges and know how to get the tough jobs done right. I owe our success to the hard work and dedication of my squadron here , to Raytheon Missile Systems in Tucson and to the 46th Test Wing."

MALD is currently undergoing integration on both the F-16 Fighting Falcon and B-52 Stratofortress aircraft. Future plans will allow for carriage on a wide variety of tactical and strategic aircraft, including the F-15, F-22, B-1 and B-2. The MALD System Design and Development contract was awarded in June 03 to Raytheon Missile Systems, in Tucson, AZ. MALD's Low Rate Initial Production decision is scheduled for 2008.