Target Systems Development

The Aerial Target Systems Development program designs and develops threat representative subsonic and supersonic targets and associated payloads to emulate threat weapon systems and aircraft. In addition to representative air vehicles, this includes development of Target Control (TC) systems and associated Target Augmentation and Auxiliary Systems (TA/AS) which are used to replicate specific threats. Targets and auxiliary payloads are developed to support test and evaluation of combat systems required to defend fleet surface and air units in a hostile environment. As to specific hardware development, this project includes: - Supersonic Targets: Portfolio includes GQM-163A Supersonic Sea-Skimming Target (SSST) and AQM-88 Supersonic Air Launch Target (SALT) programs. Supersonic targets represent supersonic anti-ship cruise missile threats. The design and development of GQM-163A capabilities provide threat representative targets that are used in direct support of Developmental Test and Evaluation, Operational Test and Evaluation, and Live Fire Test and Evaluation of major combat weapons programs and support fleet training. Critical live-fire Test and Evaluation events are supported for AEGIS CG and DDG Mods, DDG-51 Flight III, LHA 8, CVN-79 LPD Flight II, SM-6, SM-2, RAM, and ESSM. The GQM-163A is a non-recoverable supersonic sea skimming aerial target, capable of speeds in excess of Mach 2.5 and cruise altitudes from 13.0 to 52K feet. The GQM-163A has also demonstrated higher altitude diving threat profiles. Funding may also be used to begin development of potential future supersonic targets to keep pace with emerging threats. Funding is provided for kinematic performance enhancements to develop increases in current capabilities. Funding may also be used to begin development of potential future supersonic targets to keep pace with emerging threats. - Subsonic Targets: Portfolio includes BQM-177A, BQM-34S and BQM-167 subsonic target programs. The BQM-177A SSAT primarily represents subsonic anti-ship cruise missile threats. The BQM-177A SSAT provides threat representation for developmental and operational test & evaluation events of major combat weapons systems programs and in support of fleet training events.

Budget provides funding for multiple lines of improvement across the Navy's portfolio of reusable and expendable undersea warfare targets. 1. Provides funding for a Long Endurance Variant of MK 39 Mod 4 Expendable Mobile ASW Training Target (EMATT) to support 24+ hour missions. This effort supports development of Long Endurance module for the MK 39 Mod 4 EMATT. The Long Endurance module will allow the EMATT to support training of multiple aircrews in a single, coordinated extended tracking exercise and facilitate the training of multiple watch sections on surface ships and submarines in an extended tracking exercise. 2. Provides funding for an Extremely Low Frequency Variant of MK 39 MOD 4 Expendable Mobile ASW Training Target (EMATT) to support narrowband tracking requirements for USN submarines. This effort supports the development of a Low Frequency module for the MK 39 MOD 4 EMATT. The Low Frequency Variant upgrade allows EMATT to better emulate low frequency signatures of modern threat submarines. 3. Provides funding to initiate development efforts starting in FY 2027 to add Magnetic Anomaly Detection (MAD) wire to allow stimulation of MH-60R capability to MK39 MOD 4 EMATT.

This project develops seaborne targets and their related target augmentation systems in support of air-to-surface and surface-to-surface weapons test and evaluation and fleet training.

Budget is a FY26 RDT&E,N Congressional Add under PE 0604258N ASW Target Systems Development to advance critical capability developments in the ASW Target Program of Record: 1. Additional funding will capitalize on existing Navy investments to improve Program of Record ASW Training Target capabilities while accelerating integration of multiple capability improvements for Low Frequency Active, Sprint Speed, and Long Endurance Variants of the MK 39 EMATT. 2. Additional funding will accelerate Navy investments to improve Program of Record ASW Training Target capabilities for the MK 66 increment 2 performance enhancements.