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Yuma Proving Ground/Long Range Air Launch Target Smart Test Vehicle Photo - Northrop
Grumman provides technical support and mission assurance to RSLP air-launch target
vehicle programs, which support the Missile Defense Agency. Pictured above is an
inert target that was loaded onto a C-17 Globemaster aircraft to test the overall
target air-launch system. The target was extracted from the back of the aircraft
at 24,500 feet altitude to check the parachute system, lines, and booster avionics
systems. This method of air-launching a target offers the government greater flexibility
in their interceptor testing program because they are not confined to launching
targets from the limited number of fixed ground sites currently available. This
test took place on Dec. 11, 2002 at Yuma, Arizona.
Photo taken by Northrop Grumman
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Long Range Air Launch Target, Smart Test Vehicle Drop - Northrop Grumman provides
technical support and mission assurance to RSLP air-launch target vehicle programs,
which support the Missile Defense Agency. Pictured above, an inert target was extracted
from a C-17 Globemaster aircraft, and is suspended by the parachutes before it would
be released, ignited, and flown downrange. This was part of an overall test to check-out
the air-launched target system. The test occurred on Dec. 11, 2002. This method
of air-launching a target offers the government greater flexibility in their interceptor
testing program because they are not confined to launching targets from the limited
number of fixed ground sites currently available.
Photo taken by a Pt. Mugu U.S. government photographer.
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