Defence Trials

Nulka Hovering Rocket Decoy Trials

The Nulka hovering rocket is an Australian-developed, ship launched decoy used for protecting ships against missile attack. Powered by a solid fuel rocket motor, Nulka (Aboriginal word meaning ‘to be quick’) hovers away from its host ship, with its electronics package attracting the incoming missile by mimicking emissions from the target ship. Nulka is in service with the RAN, the US Navy and the Canadian navy.

Numerous Nulka trial campaigns have been conducted at the WTF since 1990, initially for developmental test and evaluation and subsequently for ongoing product enhancement, most recently between 1997-1999 involving a total of 15 firings. The WTF offers particular advantages for the trials, especially the high security and easy recovery of the classified Nulka decoys. Nulka trials also take advantage of the instrumentation support available in the WIR.