Data link-equipped MALD-J flies for the first time
A Miniature Air Launched Decoy Jammer (MALD-J) equipped with a radio data link has been flown for the first time during a flight test conducted by a US Marine Corps, US Air Force and Raytheon team. The data-link expands the weapon’s situational awareness and allows for in-flight targeting adjustments.
The flight test was conducted as part of a Marine Corps Weapons and Tactics Instructor exercise at the US Marine Corps Air Station in Yuma. The exercise used the USMC's recently released Electronic Warfare Services Architecture protocol and a Tactical Targeting Network Technology radio.
MALD-J carried out its assigned radar jamming mission on the range and was able to send situation awareness data to the EW Battle Manager (EWBM). The EWBM used this information to adjust the MALD's mission while in flight.
Mike Jarrett, vice president of air warfare systems, Raytheon Missile Systems, said: ‘This flight test shows MALD-J's ability to integrate new technology that will provide the warfighter more capabilities on the battlefield. The marines are operationalising the Marine Air Ground Task Force Cyberspace and Electronic Warfare Coordination Cell and Raytheon is part of this forward-thinking solution to a complex problem.’
MALD-J is a jammer variant of MALD, an air-launched and programmable flight vehicle with a range of approximately 500 nautical miles. The weapon is designed to protect aircraft by duplicating the combat flight profiles and signatures of US and allied aircraft.
More from Digital Battlespace
-
British Army’s ISR commander warns of new challenges facing defence forces
The race between using ISR and resisting the use of it by enemies has accelerated, leading to new methods and systems being required, according to the British Army’s lead on its ISR efforts.
-
Push for greater use of open source data, says senior British officer
The huge amount of open source data available may not carry the weight of secret sources but it does carry substantial value, according to speakers at Defence IQ C4ISR Global conference in London.
-
Jacobs wins MoD cyber-security support contract
The deal with Jacobs will run until November 2027 and will see the company deliver a range of digital and IT specialist professional services to Defence Digital.
-
Orbit upgrades two multi-purpose terminals and carries out land testing
The communications company has upgraded two of its Beyond Line-of-Sight Multi-Purpose Terminals (MBTs) by introducing advancements in satellite communication technology and AI-driven maintenance capabilities.
-
Norway to receive maritime surveillance satellite data from Kongsberg
Norway's Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace has announced that its subsidiary Kongsberg NanoAvionics will produce three satellites and launch them in 2025.
-
First South Korean 425 Project observation satellite launched
In 2015, South Korea named a consortium of Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Hanwha Systems, along with Thales Alenia Space providing the SAR payload derived from its HE-R1000 product, as preferred bidder to develop new Korea 425 Project reconnaissance satellites.