Located at NAWC China Lake, California, MESA is a unique facility designed to provide dynamic missile engagement test data. The facility includes a 150 ft wide by 405 ft long by 90 ft high (46m x 123m x 27m) electromagnetic test chamber in which missile fuses and sensors are tested against different targets.

The Howland Company led the conceptual design study team that established the functional performance criteria for the large range. We also defined many of the unique building materials used in the construction based on radar reflectivity tests we conducted. We also helped prepare the 35% design submittal and participated in the preparation of the final plans and specifications.

The Howland Company was also given the task of preparing the design specification for the overhead target support system and three-axis sensor (test device) transporter, not a simple task given the number of full scale missiles and aircraft that must be supported.

MESA: F-4 Suspended from Target
Positioner, F-18 in Background

The view from the control room workstation

On the web:

• MESA Homepage - "Who We Are-What We Do"
• "China Lake" at GlobalSecurity.org
• DoD TechMatch Facility Description

F-4 suspended from target positioner, sensor positioner/transporter in foreground

Full-size targets: F-4 suspended,
MiG-23 in backgound