QinetiQ Launches Transonic Next-Generation Banshee Aerial Target

QinetiQ has announced the launch of the Next-GenerationBanshee, “Banshee NG”, the target that replicates fast flying jets andmissiles, enabling test and evaluation and live fire training exercises. Theunveiling of the Banshee NG will take place September 11, 2019, at Defence andSecurity Equipment International (DSEI), at QinetiQ’s Stand S3-400.

Banshee NG was built to enable NATO and allied militaries totrain against simulated higher speed aerial threats, preparing for theevolution in those threats that are being seen to emerge. As a fifth member ofthe Banshee family of targets – joining the Banshee Whirlwind, Jet 40, Jet 80and Jet 80+ – customers buying the Banshee NG will own a new generation oftransonic aerial target that travels at a faster speed (over 250 metres persecond), soars to a higher altitude (up to 12,000 metres), offers increasedmanoeuvrability (up to 9G, from typically 3G), offers lower sea skimmingcapabilities (three metres) and is less detectable due to a low radar cross section(RCS).

Banshee NG is that it is operated using the infrastructureand accessories that QinetiQ’s Target Systems business offers for its otherBanshee targets. This includes being launched with ground-based pneumaticair-launchers, being equipped with a range of payloads such as radaraugmentation, miss distance indication and sophisticated electronic warfarecapability, and being operated using the command and control systems currentlyon offer by QinetiQ.

Once launched, Banshee NG is operated with a proprietaryQinetiQ guidance system and range-certified flight termination system thatenables full control at all times. It can be recovered using a parachute.