External heat transfer coefficients were measured around a surrogate indirect inertial confinement fusion target based on the laser inertial fusion energy (LIFE) target to validate thermal models of the LIFE target during flight through a fusion chamber. Results indicated that heat transfer coefficients for this target, in the range of 25 to 50 W/m2·K, were consistent with theoretically derived heat transfer coefficients and are valid for use in calculation of target heating during flight through a fusion chamber.