Orbital ATK has launched two GQM-163A Coyote supersonic target vehicles designed for the US Navy, marking the 47th and 48th missions of the Coyote program since its inception 15 years ago.
“The recent flight test showcases the robustness of the Coyote target and the commitment of our team to the success of our customer’s mission,” said Keven Leith, Orbital ATK’s senior director, Navy programs. “We are proud to provide an important capability to the Navy that is critical to the defense of this country.”
The Coyote target vehicle is based on a ramjet propulsion system that is integrated into a compact missile airframe measuring 18ft long and 14in in diameter. Rail-launched from naval test and training ranges, the highly maneuverable Coyote has two optional flight trajectories – ‘sea skimmer’ and ‘high-diver’.
This test was flown as a high-diver mission in which the Coyote ascended to approximately 35,000ft, reaching Mach 3.3 cruise speed under ramjet power, and then executed a planned 40° unpowered dive to its objective point near the ocean’s surface at the end of its 110 mile journey.
June 22, 2015
