Coyote target vehicle achieves 100th launch
The Coyote, used as a target for US Navy warship cruise missile defence, has been launched 100 times. (Photo: Northrop Grumman)
The US Navy uses the Coyote as a target for warship missile defence, and the vehicle recently achieved a milestone.
Northrop Grumman announced on 7 July that its GQM-163A Coyote target vehicle had achieved its 100th launch.
The Coyote is a threat-representative target used by the US Navy to test anti-cruise missile defences for ships in the US and allied navies.
Northrop Grumman has delivered more than 145 GQM-163A targets to the branch to date, out of a contracted order for 218 targets. Options for more Coyotes exist in the years ahead too.
Northrop Grumman originally designed the Coyote target as a Mach 2.5+ sea-skimming target, but it was later modified to attain Mach 3.5+ as a diving target from an altitude of more than 50,000ft.
Rich Straka, VP of launch vehicles at Northrop Grumman noted: ‘The unique speed, performance and versatility of this target has enabled us to meet multiple mission scenarios for our customer for over two decades'.
‘As the only supersonic sea skimming target produced in the United States, the Coyote is part of a family of tactical targets that ensures US Navy systems are ready and capable to defend against threats,' Straka added.
The Naval Air Systems Command awarded this programme to Northrop Grumman in 2000, with its initial launch in 2003. The total contract value is over $329 million.
More from Air Warfare
-
![Why the F-16 fighter jet remains a force to be reckoned with]()
Why the F-16 fighter jet remains a force to be reckoned with
The Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter jet is still in the limelight over 40 years after its first flight. Shephard sums up the latest developments and tells you everything you need to know about the aircraft in the 2020s.
-
![C-27J Spartan contract to strengthen Italy and Azerbaijan relations]()
C-27J Spartan contract to strengthen Italy and Azerbaijan relations
Italy and Azerbaijan have signed a contract for the supply of the C-27J Spartan transport aircraft
-
![New $156 million deal to advance UK aircrew training]()
New $156 million deal to advance UK aircrew training
The initiative under the UK Military Flying Training System (UKMFTS) will equip Royal Navy observers and Royal Air Force weapon system officers with the skills to operate advanced aircraft.
-
![Argentina boosts Antarctic airlift with lease of C-130]()
Argentina boosts Antarctic airlift with lease of C-130
Argentina has opted to lease a seventh C-130 transport aircraft under the US Foreign Military Sales mechanism.
-
![Lockheed Martin selects GE engines for LMXT USAF tanker offering]()
Lockheed Martin selects GE engines for LMXT USAF tanker offering
Lockheed Martin has announced the selection of GE Aerospace's CF6-80E1 turbofan for the LMXT strategic tanker. The LMXT is Lockheed Martin's solution for the USAF's …
-
![Lockheed hopeful of Armed Black Hawk deal for Polish Army amid increased defence spending]()
Lockheed hopeful of Armed Black Hawk deal for Polish Army amid increased defence spending
The Polish government is significantly increasing its defence budget and looks to grow its armed forces in an efforts to counter Russia's perceived threat. Under these plans, there is place for Armed Black Hawk attack helicopters next to the AW149s and Apaches.
