Kalkara celebrates mission 100

Using rocket assisted takeoff Kalkara begins its missile simulation run to be targeted by ships’ weapons systems.

After nearly four years of trials, tribulations and operations Kalkara successfully flew mission 100 on Thursday March 27 from Gilbert Point at HMAS Stirling. Kalkara Flight was in the sunny West for 5 weeks to conduct development trials and provide aerial targets to ships missile systems.

Kalkara (“Storm Bird”) can fly between 100 feet and 40,000 feet and its top speed is Mach 0.86. Depending on profile, endurance is 30 to 60 minutes.

With a 6-G manoeuvre limit and low-level speed of around 360 knots, Kalkara can simulate missile and aircraft profiles that challenge the ships’ and fighter aircraft weapon systems and operators alike. Although Kalkara is normally fitted with a variety of towed targets from the HUTTS target family, most of the operators would prefer the more realistic “skin shots”; firing at the vehicle as it manoeuvres.

Launched using rocket-assisted take-off from a cradle, Kalkara has been operated from basic facilities in locations on Australia’s East and West coasts working for Navy. It has also been operated at the Air Weapons Range in Woomera in inland South Australia for work with the RAAF fighter force. Using displays and controls similar to a computer-based aircraft simulator the controller guides the vehicle to the range and flies the required profiles.

A range control officer sits next to the controller providing guidance on range clearances, communications with other units and helping the controller set up the vehicle profiles. The vehicle has a GPS fed transponder that provides the team with an accurate picture of its location.

Worth A$47 million, the contract provides for 9 years (ending in 2008) of target system operation with two ground control systems, associated ground support equipment, and began with 20 target aircraft.

Operational flights commenced in February 1999. As flight 100 left the rail, it was observed by an aviator who had a long association with the project, Captain Tim Barrett. In his role as JP7’s aviation staff officer, he witnessed the first flight and was on hand this time, as Chief of Staff COMAUSNAVAIRGRP, to see flight 100 on its way.

.