Beech BQM-126
In 1983, the U.S. Navy planned to replace their BQM-34 Firebee and MQM/BQM-74 Chukar targets with a new subscale variable-speed training target. At that time the designation YBQM-126A was reserved for the new target. Beech proposed the Model 997, a derivative of the MQM-107 Streaker family. The Model 997 first flew in March 1984, and Beech was awarded a contract for full-scale development of the BQM-126A in 1985.
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| Image: Raytheon |
| BQM-126A |
The BQM-126A was externally very similar to the MQM-107D Streaker, except that twin endplate fins replaced the MQM-107's single vertical tail. This was done to reduce the overall height of the target, thereby simplifying carriage beneath the fuselage of aircraft for air-launches. It was powered by a Microturbo TRI 60-3 Model 097 (J403-MT-400) turbojet engine. With the help of a solid-propellant rocket booster, the BQM-126A could also be launched from land and ships, and the target was recoverable by parachute over water and land. It had a digital autopilot and a radio command system for both preprogrammed and fully ground-controlled missions. The target could be equipped with the usual payloads like radar, IR and visual augmentors, scoring devices and countermeasures. It could be used for surface-to-air, air-to-air and ship-defense missile evaluation and training.
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| Photo: A.J. Pelletier |
| BQM-126A |
The U.S. Navy originally had plans to procure up to 700 BQM-126A targets. However, the whole production program was cancelled, presumably because of lack of funds.
Specifications
Note: Data given by several sources show slight variations. Figures given below may therefore be inaccurate!
Data for BQM-126A:
| Length | 5.64 m (18 ft 6 in) |
| Wingspan | 3.05 m (10 ft) |
| Diameter | 38 cm (15 in) |
| Weight (incl. booster) | 630 kg (1400 lb) |
| Speed | 1075 km/h (580 kts) |
| Ceiling | 12200 m (40000 ft) |
| Endurance | 1 h 36 min |
| Propulsion | Microturbo J403-MT-400 turbojet; 4.0 kN (900 lb) |
Main Sources
[1] Kenneth Munson: "World Unmanned Aircraft", Jane's, 1988
[2] A.J. Pelletier: "Beech Aircraft and their Predecessors", Putnam, 1995
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Last Updated: 16 October 2002