50.26 (-0.20) Raytheon Deploys Miniature Air Launched Decoys From C-130 Cargo Aircraft
The Miniature Air Launched Decoy (MALD ®) is a low-cost, air-launched programmable craft that accurately duplicates the combat flight profiles and signatures of U.S. and allied aircraft.
MALD® is a flexible and modular system that has the potential to keep aviators and aircraft out of harm’s way. MALD is an expendable air-launched flight vehicle that looks like a U.S. or allied aircraft to enemy integrated air defense systems (IADS). The U.S. and its allies can confuse and deceive enemy IADS by sending a formation of MALDs into hostile airspace. MALD weighs less than 300 pounds and has a range of approximately 500 nautical miles (575 statute miles). After it is launched from its host aircraft, MALD flies a preprogrammed mission.
In addition to protecting valuable aircraft, MALD® offers counter air operations to neutralize air defense systems that pose a threat to U.S. and allied pilots.
Product Line: Air Warfare Systems