Aerial Targets
Abstract
This Project supports Army readiness and multi-domain operations through development, acquisition, operation and modernization of aerial targets. Multi-spectral Aerial Targets include realistic surrogates, actual high performance threat aircraft, and virtual target computer models. Current and emerging weapons systems require test, evaluation, and training using threat representative aerial targets to assess weapons systems effectiveness in the operational environment. This project encompasses a portfolio of full-scale, miniature, and subscale fixed wing/rotary wing targets, virtual targets, ancillary devices, and associated control systems. For accurate threat portrayal that properly stresses weapons systems during test and evaluation, aerial targets must exhibit the flight characteristics, threat signatures, and other performance factors to represent or emulate relevant and validated threats. This Project funds: the long-range planning necessary to determine future target needs and development of coordinated requirements; the management of target research, development, test and evaluation, production, and modernization; execution of the validation process to ensure that aerial targets accurately represent the threat; as well as storage and repair parts. The Army is the Test Enterprise Reliance lead for Rotary Wing Targets and Towed Target development.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2025
- Source ID
- 238_0604258A_6_2040_PB_2025
Related Documents
- Root: Target Systems Development
- Child Accomplishment: Towed Targets/Ancillary devices.
- Child Accomplishment: Aerial Virtual Targets.
- Child Accomplishment: Army Ground Aerial Target Control System (AGATCS).
- Child Accomplishment: Unmanned Aerial System - Target (UAS-T).
- Child Accomplishment: High Speed Aerial Target (HSAT).