EADS Defence & Security (DS) in Friedrichshafen-Immenstaad has achieved a milestone with production of its 500th target drone. These air vehicles are used in the training of air defence units and flight crews as well as for the testing and trials of guided missiles. The ‘anniversary drone’ that left the production facility on 26 June bears the designation Do-DT25-55. It is a member of the successful family of all-weather direct target (DT) drone systems and is specifically designed to simulate threats from anti-radar guided missiles.

Since production began in 2003, this line of drones has grown to include four models with seven variants. The DT25-55 and the recently developed DT45 are the latest members of that system family. The DT25-55 consists of a carrier drone (DT-25) transporting a target drone (DT-55) on its underside. The are launched in tandem by means of a catapult and, once inside the area of operations, the speedier DT-55 separates from the carrier drone and begins its mission of target simulation. The DT45 is an all-purpose drone used to simulate very high-speed targets. Due to its extremely low-level flight capability, for naval forces it can play the role of ‘sea skimming missiles’. All drones can either fly a pre-programmed course over waypoints or be remotely controlled during flight.

Developed by DS’ Military Air Systems (MAS) Business Unit, the target drones allow either land-based or ship-based launch.

MAS offers a complete package of aerial target services around the world. Those services range from devising tactical target simulation scenarios to supplying and firing the corresponding drones. MAS also provides necessary payloads such as scoring sensors and optical/radar/infrared/laser augmentation.

Furthermore, the Business Unit ensures operation of the target drones or towed targets for aerial combat scenarios. The offering includes the complete ground-based infrastructure required, such as that provided at the NATO Missile Firing Installation (NAMFI) on Crete since 1988. The facility encompasses ground control and monitoring stations, pneumatic launchers and other testing and operating equipment.