GQM-173 MSST

In mid-1007, the U.S. Navy initiated the MSST (Multi-Stage Supersonic Target) program to develop a target missile to simulate the Russian 3M54E (SS-N-27 Sizzler) anti-ship missile. In February 2008, the designation ZGQM-173A was allocated to the future MSST vehicle. The GQM-173 will have to replicate the capabilities of the 3M54E, which is a subsonic cruise missile with a supersonic terminal stage. The latter approaches its target at low-level at Mach 2.8, and can perform high-g evasive maneuvers.

Selection of a prime contractor for MSST is expected for August 2008.

Specifications

No final design has yet been selected for the MSST requirement.

Main Sources

[1] Bill Sweetman: "Simulating Sizzler", Ares Defense Blog, 9 June 2008

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