USASMDC completes flight test of new short range ballistic missile

HUNTSVILLE, Ala., Feb. 18, 2012. The U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command (USASMDC/ARSTRAT) successfully completed a flight test of the new Economical Target-1 (ET-1) at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.

The ET-1 missile was launched from the Santa Rosa Test Site on Eglin AFB into the broad ocean area within the test range. This launch demonstrated USASMDC/ARSTRATs capability to provide low cost targets to a variety of customers.

The target missile's flight was successfully tracked by several range sensors and preliminary indications are that all data collection objectives were met. More detailed information will be available following post date processing by the radars.

The objectives of the test were to demonstrate three Central Test and Evaluation Investment Program (CTEIP) efforts: the first flight of the ET-1; the use of the 25K Transportable Target Launcher; and the first phase of a tactical ballistic missile study.

The ET-1 was launched using another new USASMDC/ARSTRAT product, the 25K TTL. The 25K TTL is a transportable, mission-configurable 25,000 pounds-capacity developed to support DoD operational testing of theater-class tactical ballistic missile targets.

This launch was supported by the 46th Test Wing at Eglin Air Force Base.