Target Systems Development
Full-scale Aerial Targets (FSAT), Subscale Aerial Targets (SSAT), and companion Target Control Systems (TCS) assure the effectiveness and currency of warfighter weapon systems to combat real-world enemy fighters and cruise missiles. Aerial targets support adherence to Public Law Title 10, Section 4172, which requires major systems and munitions programs to conduct live fire survivability and lethality testing before full rate production. Targets are used to validate operational missile/weapon system effectiveness and fighter Operational Flight Program (OFP) updates. Targets are required for developmental/operational testing for all surface-to-air and air-to-air missiles employed by the F-22A, F-35, F-18, F-16, F-15, among other aircraft. Funding supports simulator development and improvements on FSAT, BQM-167A SSAT, and updates of Target Control Systems and specialized target payload subsystems for requirements such as: missile scoring, electronic attack (EA), infrared (IR) countermeasures, radar/IR signature augmentation, and chaff and flare dispensing systems. Enables analysis, development and prototyping of threat emulations/ simulations, and presentation of evolving threat scenarios and target area environments to prepare for emerging weapons development activities. Development is required to evolve aerial targets and target control capabilities to meet current and future threats. Air Force is the executive agent for full-scale aerial targets. The Aerial Targets Program leverages and implements tenets of Open, Agile, and Digital acquisition for any new subsystem hardware or software development. Integrates the system in weapon portfolio tradespace studies by conducting trade studies, system engineering, test activities, and protype and concept development, supporting system modeling and simulation. Builds and refines a mission modeling framework by incorporating higher-fidelity weapon system designs and updates to the threat landscape to conduct ongoing assessment of weapon system performance against the authoritative threat. Invests in analytical, information management, data management, digital environments, and networks directly supporting development and sustainment of this program's capabilities, while leveraging DoD and DAF enterprise IT solutions. Leverages Digital acquisition tenets of open, agile and digital.
FY2027 planned work FY 2027 to fund the Air Force Subscale Aerial Target (AFSAT) mid wing pylon modification for increased target maneuverability, improved target launch and enhanced threat emulation.
FY2026 to FY2027 change FY 2026 to FY 2027 increases due to inflation
FY2026 plans — current year FY 2026 to fund the Air Force Subscale Aerial Target (AFSAT) Integrated Flight Controller (IFC) microprocessor-based unit that controls the entire flight control functionality and maneuverability.
FY2027 planned work FY 2027 to fund the Target Control System (TCS) continued modernization with user interface enhancements (e.g., touch screen interfaces, 3-D, post mission replay) for improved data analysis and weapons testing.
FY2026 to FY2027 change FY 2026 to FY2027 decreases due to the completion of the Target Control System modernization effort.
FY2026 plans — current year FY 2026 funding to modernize the target control system, addressing current capability gaps. This includes support for increasing simultaneous target C2, mitigating frequency encroachment, adding encryption, and extending the C2 footprint with reduced infrastructure. Additionally, the funding supports the increase of operator/participant situational awareness while expanding payload combinations and enables autonomous terrain following capabilities. Furthermore, the funding supports the control and integration of future Aerial Targets.