Alliant Techsystems has released an image of the Multi-Stage Supersonic Target (MSST) under development for the US Navy. ATK was awarded a $97 million contract last week to develop the GQM-173 MSST, which will replicate the Russian Novator 34M-54E Klub two-stage anti-ship cruise missile (NATO codename SS-N-27 Sizzler). The MSST is pretty cool looking...

The target comprises a subsonic cruise bus, which releases a supersonic sprint vehicle for the terminal dash to the target. The sprint vehicle is attached to the cruise bus via a strongback, which carries the wing. Accurately replicating the dynamics when Sizzler deploys its supersonic terminal stage is a key requirement for the MSST.

ATK says the subsonic bus is new, but the sprint vehicle is based on the Navy's GQM-163 Coyote supersonic sea-skimming target (SSST), modified with a new rocket motor. Composites Engineering (CEi) makes the front end of the SSST for Orbital Sciences, and will supply the MSST sprint vehicle as a subcontractor to ATK.

Flight tests are planned to begin 19 months after contract award, with seven test events planned to the end of development in 2012. The Navy is then expected to buy 15-20 MSSTs a year for target practice.