In 1999, the first flight test associated with the Miniature Air-Launched Decoy (MALD) program, which begun in 1995, took place. With origins in the tradition of metal radar-confusing chaff dropped from aircraft, the point of MALD was to develop a small, inexpensive decoy missile to counter air defense measures.
The ADM-160A, the designation of the initial system to emerge from the program, carried electromagnetic components capable of simulating virtually any aircraft.
Although the ADM-160A did not directly evolve into fielded systems, management of the effort was subsequently picked up by the Air Force and follow-on efforts led to production models of what became known as MALD-J.
Redefining Possible
Since 1958, DARPA has been an engine of innovation serving national defense and the U.S. warfighter.