Raytheon has successfully tested separation of its miniature air launched decoy (MALD) from a USAF F-16, according to a company release dated Oct. 24. The tests, conducted from Eglin AFB, Fla., involved nine free-flight launches from the F-16 over May to July. Raytheon says it plans more free flight tests next year, with MALD production beginning in Fiscal 2008. The Air Force already plans to integrate MALD on the B-52 bomber as part of its Smart Weapons Integration Next Generation (SWING) program.
The Air Force’s BACN may be cooked—the service plans to retire its entire E-11A Battlefield Airborne Communications Node fleet in fiscal 2028 and equip aircraft to use satellite communications instead.