| GQM-163 Coyote | |
|---|---|
 A GQM-163A Coyote test launch in May 2004. | |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Northrop Grumman (formerly Orbital Sciences) |
| Specifications | |
| Length | 18.4 ft (5.62 m) without booster, 31.4 ft (9.56 m) with booster |
| Diameter | 14 in (35 cm), booster: 18 in (46 cm) |
| Propellant | Aerojet MARC-R-282 solid-fueled ducted rocket/ramjet engine |
Operational range | 45 nmi (52 mi; 83 km)[1] |
| Flight ceiling | 55,000 ft (17,000 m) |
| Flight altitude | Sea-skimming: 30 ft (9.1 m) cruise phase, 15 ft (4.6 m) terminal phase |
| Boost time | Hercules MK 70 solid-fueled rocket |
| Maximum speed | Mach 3.0-4.0 at 5,000–55,000 ft (1,500–16,800 m), Mach 2.6 at 15–30 ft (5–9 m)[1] |
TheGQM-163 Coyote is asupersonicsea-skimming missile target built byNorthrop Grumman[2] (formerlyOrbital ATK) and used by theUnited States Navy as a successor to theMQM-8 Vandal. Orbital's proposal was chosen over theMA-31, a joint venture betweenBoeing andZvezda-Strela. Orbital was awarded the development contract for the Coyote SSST in June 2000.
The Coyote is launched by aHercules MK-70booster, of similar design to those used by the obsoleteRIM-67 Standard ER missiles. After the booster stage is expended the missile switches to anAerojet MARC-R-282solid-fuel rocket/ramjet engine for sustained flight.[3][4][5]
In July 2018, Orbital Sciences Corp was awarded a US$52m modification to its existing contract, for 18 Lot 12 targets plus someForeign Military Sales.[6]
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