An ADM-160J attached to an EF-24G.
The ADM-160J MALD is an expendable, GPS guided decoy missile exclusively available to the EF-24G. It can fly on its own and be configured to jam nearby targets, or disguise itself as a different aircraft using its SAS.
Decoy missiles are equipped with a Radar Warning Receiver (RWR), similar to those on other aircraft, and shares its radar threats with other allied EF-24Gs and F-45As via the DataLink network. Any enemy radar that pings a decoy will appear on the TSD.
The ADM-160J is a versatile electronic warfare tool that can easily be adapted to any mission.
For instance, their flight path can be programmed to fly along a path into hostile territory for reconnaissance of SAM sites and aircraft before directly engaging the enemy. The COLD mode allows it to stealthily loiter above an area without being targeted.
Offship jamming can be provided with the NOISE mode in all three frequency bands, a flexible solution to all manner of aircraft and ground-based radars. Allies can even follow behind an in-flight decoy for concealment or protection under a corridor jamming effect. In addition, where ownship jamming presents the risk of being locked by HOJ-guided missiles, a decoy can disrupt enemy radar without putting your own aircraft at risk.
The SAS mode can be a very useful psychological tool in Multiplayer games. Many decoys can create the appearance of a larger force, and certain aircraft signatures may fool the enemy into engaging them as a priority target.
Note: MALDs behave independently from the Master Mode switch (AA, AG, or EW).
The statuses of launched decoys can be monitored in flight, including current navigation mode, airspeed (in Mach), altitude, and remaining fuel.
Once deployed, decoy missiles will operate for 8 minutes. Once it reaches their target destination, it will orbit in place until it has its navigation updated, is destroyed, or runs out of fuel.