GQM-163A Coyote

Northrop Grumman GQM-163A Coyote supersonic target missile launches during a U.S. Navy air and missile defense testing exercise.

Manufacturer: Northrop Grumman
Category: Missiles & Precision Weapons
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Guidance System GPS-Aided Inertial Navigation System (INS)
Maximum Speed Mach 2.5+
Launch Compatibility Ground-based launcher systems
Warhead Technology Non-combat target payload with telemetry instrumentation

Full Specifications

1. General Information

Name / Designation	GQM-163A Coyote
Type / Role	Supersonic Aerial Target Missile
Country of Origin	United States
Manufacturer	Northrop Grumman
Service Entry / Year Introduced	2005
Operational Status	Active

2. Performance & Range

Range	Approximately 100 km
Speed	Mach 2.5+
Ceiling / Altitude Limit	Low-altitude sea-skimming flight, variable mission profiles
Accuracy (CEP)	Not applicable (target missile)
Warhead Type	Instrumented Target Payload (No Combat Warhead)

3. Guidance & Targeting

Guidance System	GPS / INS
Targeting Mode	Pre-programmed Autonomous Flight
Launch Platform Compatibility	Ground Launcher
Seeker Type	Not Applicable

4. Physical Characteristics

Length	Approximately 5.5 m
Diameter	Approximately 0.35 m
Wingspan	Approximately 0.91 m
Launch Weight	Approximately 900 kg
Propulsion	Solid Rocket Booster and Ramjet Sustainer

5. Warhead & Payload

Warhead Weight	None (Target Payload)
Explosive Type	Not Applicable
Detonation Mechanism	Not Applicable
Payload Options	Telemetry, Flight Data Recording, Scoring Systems

6. Operational Use & Capabilities

Operational Range Type	Medium Range
Deployment Platform	Ground
Target Types	Simulated Anti-Ship Cruise Missile Threats
Combat Proven	No (Training and Testing System)
Users / Operators	United States Navy

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

7.8

Technology 7 / 10
Performance 8 / 10
Maintenance Efficiency 8 / 10
Range & Endurance 8 / 10

PROS

Realistic simulation of supersonic anti-ship missile threats
Capable of sea-skimming flight profiles
Speeds exceeding Mach 2.5
Supports advanced naval missile defense testing
Highly reliable and proven training platform

CONS

Not an operational combat missile
High procurement and operating costs
Limited production quantities
Requires specialized launch infrastructure
Primarily designed for naval testing environments

GQM-163A Coyote Supersonic Target Missile

The GQM-163A Coyote is a high-speed aerial target missile developed to simulate modern anti-ship cruise missile threats for U.S. Navy training and weapons testing. Designed to replicate the flight characteristics of sea-skimming supersonic missiles, the GQM-163A enables naval forces to evaluate shipboard air defense systems under realistic combat conditions.

Unlike operational strike missiles, the Coyote serves as a target vehicle, helping validate radar performance, missile interceptors, and fleet readiness against advanced missile threats. Its ability to fly at very low altitudes over water while maintaining supersonic speeds makes it one of the most capable target systems in service today.

Manufacturer

The GQM-163A was developed and manufactured by Northrop Grumman in the United States. The program was created to replace older target systems and provide a more realistic representation of emerging anti-ship missile threats encountered by modern naval forces.

The missile entered operational service in the mid-2000s and continues to support U.S. Navy weapons testing, missile defense exercises, and fleet training operations.

Speed and Range

One of the defining features of the GQM-163A is its impressive speed. Powered by a solid-fuel booster and a sustainment ramjet engine, the missile can reach speeds exceeding Mach 2.5, while maintaining low-altitude sea-skimming flight profiles.

Cost / Price

Exact unit pricing varies depending on configuration, support equipment, and contract terms. Industry estimates place the cost of a single GQM-163A target missile at approximately $1 million to $2 million per unit, with additional expenses associated with launch support, telemetry systems, and mission operations.

The system remains a critical asset for U.S. Navy missile defense testing and readiness evaluation programs.

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