Flight Test Results for the SRALT RRF and Target Intercept Missions

This paper presents flight test results for the Short Range Air Launch Target SRALT risk reduction flight RRF and the four target intercept missions achieved during 1999, and compares them to simulation performance predictions. Lessons learned include ground and airdrop testing, target flight performance, instrumentation, and test range interfaces. The flight test targets were developed for the United States Army Space and Missile Defense Command USASMDC in support of Theater Missile Defense TMD interceptor flight testing. Successful execution of the SRALT RRF ended the total dependence on ground launch testing and associated test range constraints. The five targets used threat representative reentry vehicle RV front ends and common delivery vehicle subsystems to achieve realistic test scenarios covering a range of TMD threats. The extensive on-board instrumentation suite provided real-time telemetry data to confirm accomplishment of mission flight test objectives and a basis for comparison to simulation predictions. Successful completion of the target missions required a disciplined mission requirements analysis, design, fabrication, and test process. Extensive ground integration testing was conducted for every missile, with additional airdrop tests for SRALT.