The U.S. Navy has quietly posted a request for information to contractors to supply a Man-Portable Air Defense System (MANPADS) missile surrogate.
The Naval Surface Warfare Center wants the missile surrogate to replicate “the ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) signatures of specific threat MANPADS during their launch and flyout, including eject, boost, and sustain phases.”
The missile surrogate must also “be fired safely within two to three kilometers of a manned aircraft and not reach the aircraft.” The missile body should be recoverable and reuse by fitting new rocket motors.