Testing Advanced Missile Defense Technologies with High-Performance Targets

Northrop Grumman recently executed an Iron Bird demonstration at Yuma Proving Grounds, proving the target’s air-launch capability from a US Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft. The T4 Iron Bird demonstration included a full suite of avionics to verify flight-like timing and logic from extraction through Stage 1 ignition command, which was the first Iron Bird of its kind for Northrop Grumman. The successful test validated the target’s avionics, electronics, vehicle carriage and extraction processes using an inert target, meaning the Stage 1 motor casing was filled with concrete instead of solid rocket fuel preventing ignition of the vehicle.

“You can think of an Iron Bird test like a dress rehearsal to test the target’s subsystems and how they perform together without actually igniting the target,” Chad said. “It’s important for us to test like we fly. By proving the target’s air launch capability, we’re now able to offer maximum flexibility for MDA (Missile Defense Agency) to meet multiple mission scenarios, from anywhere in the world.”

Air-launch requirements add additional layers of complexity to missile defense test missions. The capability is one of Northrop Grumman’s core competencies, tying back to the proven Pegasus space launch vehicle, Medium Range Target (MRT) and Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) target vehicles.

“This has been one of the most difficult missions I’ve supported in my career,” Chad said. “Extracting a live target at 200 miles per hour, 22,000 feet in the air, thousands of components must work together flawlessly and in concert to meet mission objectives.”

“The T4 Iron Bird team spent countless hours over the past year integrating and testing the Iron Bird vehicle in preparation for the C-17 extraction test,” said Jared Mahan, program engineering manager. “The success of the test is a reflection of their hard work and dedication to providing a quality product to our customer.”

Chad has supported the T4 program from proposal to the recent Iron Bird test and will support the vehicle’s maiden missions later this year. 

“We’re reviewing the pre-launch requirements, performing pre-flight analysis and coordinating with the range and customer for each mission at the same time,” Chad said. “Our team is dedicated to supporting the demanding test scheduled needed to validate the missile defense systems that protect the nation.” 

Both initial launches will take place from White Sands Missile Range (WSMR).

Northrop Grumman is the tip-to-tail provider of T4 targets, including propulsion systems, avionics and its advanced, configurable re-entry system. T4 delivers a large performance range, providing the opportunity to meet a variety of mission requirements with one adaptable target vehicle. 

“Being able to be part of the team that took this system from conception to the first mission has highlighted the magnitude of programs like this: the number of people involved, the power of teamwork, the technical rigor and the dedication to the mission,” Chad said.

Designing and producing missile defense targets is rocket science. As a leader in end-to-end missile defeat technologies, Northrop Grumman leverages expertise across missile defense and advanced weapons programs to thoroughly understand the complete threat landscape, predict the threats of tomorrow and design targets capable of replicating the threats our missile defense systems are designed to protect against.

Northrop Grumman continues to develop new launch capabilities including multi-vehicle launches, advanced front ends and other evasive tactics used by adversaries. The company also supports trade studies to enhance target performance and simulate emerging threats by modifying flight-proven designs.

“As adversary threats are evolving, so are our missile defense systems. By delivering high-performance target vehicles, we’re helping equip the warfighter with the solutions needed to defend the homeland,” Chad said.