The first operational test and evaluation unit of the miniature air launched decoy (MALD) has been delivered to the US Air Force.
The USAF will conduct numerous tests on the MALD onboard F-16 fighters and B-52 bombers to evaluate its capabilities in operationally realistic and demanding scenarios.
The Raytheon-built MALD is a modular, air-launch-capable flight vehicle weighing less than 300lb with a range of 500nm.
Following the IOT&E phase, full-rate production of the MALD will begin.