Air Force testing decoys

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BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La., April 16 (UPI) -- New miniature air launch decoys and decoy jammers are being tested by the U.S. Air Force for B-52H bombers and F-16 Fighting Falcons.

The MALD and MALD Jammers, which are being integrated into weapons system, are jet-powered. They are capable of following a pre-programmed route once fired to deceive integrated air defense systems such as radar and anti-aircraft weaponry.

"The MALD is a force multiplier," said Air Force Maj. Maxwell Dipietro, weapons and tactical flight commander of the 2nd Operations Support Squadron, MALD POC. "It allows us to shape the airspace the way we want to so we can fight the way we want to."

Air Force officers said the MALD and MALD Jammer are ideal for the B52H, which is the only aircraft capable of programming the systems while airborne.

The F-16 Fighting Falcon can carry four MALDs but the devices must be programmed before the jet is in air.