Airspeed has completed a captive carry test of the company's prototype Irukandji supersonic target onboard the company's Marchetti S211.
Irukandji is a prototype supersonic target that is aerodynamically similar to the now-retired AQM-37 supersonic target. Unlike that 1960-vintage system, however, it will be powered by an Australian-built solid rocket motor derived from work undertaken by Airspeed in partnership with Thales Australia and Defence Science and Technology Group.
Airspeed’s related work in solid rocket motors will continue in 2025 with further work on filament-wound carbon fibre rocket motor cases of varying diameter scaled in response to Defence needs. In parallel, Irukandji will also undergo further flight testing in 2025 to gather data and refine the aerodynamic model. Airspeed will also engage with Defence about conducting unpowered flight tests at the Woomera Test Range.