The Navy has exercised the first of three options against Northrop Grumman's full-rate production contract for additional GQM-163A "Coyote" sea-skimming target vehicles. Northrop Grumman uses 3D printing technology for mockups and toolings for the Coyote, which is designed and built at a state-of-the-art launch vehicle production facility in Chandler, Ariz.

Lockheed Martin is halfway through production of the NASA X-59 Quiet SuperSonic Technology aircraft, putting the experimental plane on track to fly in 2022. The aircraft's purpose is to develop technology that decreases the loud noise of sonic booms.

Northrop Grumman Space Systems will produce 95 GQM-163A lot 14 Coyote supersonic sea skimming drones for the US Army and Navy under a $57.1 million contract. The drones will be used for training against supersonic threats.

The Navy is procuring 18 GQM-163A Coyote Supersonic Sea Skimming Targets from Orbital Sciences under a $52 million contract modification. The target mimics Russian and Chinese anti-ship missiles and is used for intercept training.

Orbital Sciences Corp. was able to launch the first high-altitude Coyote sea-skimming target missile last week from San Nicolas Island in California. The "High Diver" Coyote is being produced in Chandler, Ariz., for the Navy. During the test, the missile was shown to be suitable for future high-altitude naval threats and can be used to respond to other missile fire.