Jay Clemens
Orbital ATK has demonstrated the first type of its Zombie Pathfinder short-range ballistic missile target designed for future interceptor tests of the U.S. Army.
The company said Tuesday it launched the Zombie Pathfinder guided target from the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico to test the updated single stage model.
Orbital ATK’s technical services and launch vehicle divisions integrated a new configuration into the guided target to account for different threats.
“We’re delighted with the flight test and look forward to working closely with the Army to further realize the vision of the Zombie Pathfinder program,†said John Pullen, vice president and general manager of Orbital ATK’s technical services division.
The Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command administers Zombie Pathfinder and the demonstration was conducted as part of NASA’s Sounding Rocket Program.
The Army ordered five Zombie targets to assess various interceptor methods and the military branch expects to place additional orders.
