EADS MQM-175

From around 2009 until at least 2016, the U.S. Army's Terget Management Office procured subscale target drones from EADS for use as MSATs (Medium Speed Aerial Targets) in anti-aircraft weapon system evaluation and training. The used models were the EADS DT-35 (now Airbus Do-DT35) and DT-45 (Airbus Do-DT45), designated MQM-175A and MQM-175B, respectively.

Photo: Airbus

Do-DT35 (MQM-175A)

Both targets are launched from hydraulic/pneumatic launchers, are powered in flight by two turbojets, and are recovered by parachute. The MQM-175A is the smaller of the two targets, and can fly for up to 30 minutes at altitudes between 90 and 10000 m (300 and 33000 ft). The supported payloads are passive/active radar as well as IR/laser/visual augmentation, and a video camera.

Photo: Airbus

Do-DT45 (MQM-175B)

The bigger and faster MQM-175B can fly for up to 50 minutes at altitudes between 10 and 10000 m (35 and 33000 ft). It has additional payload options like flares, IFF transponder, a miss distance indicator and an active radar emitter.

Specifications

Note: Data given by several sources show slight variations. Figures given below may therefore be inaccurate!

Data for MQM-175A/B:

	MQM-175A	MQM-175B
Length	1.8 m (5.9 ft)	2.3 m (7.5 ft)
Wingspan	1.5 m (4.9 ft)	1.9 m (6.2 ft)
Weight	51 kg (112 lb)	90 kg (200 lb)
Speed	650 km/h (404 mph)	830 km/h (516 mph)
Ceiling	10000 m (33000 ft)
Endurance	30 min	50 min
Propulsion	2 turbojet; 160 N (36 lb) each	2 turbojet; 220 N (50 lb) each

Main Sources

[1] U.S. Army: 2016 PEO STRI Weapon Systems Handbook
[2] Airbus Defence and Space: Target drone systems

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Last Updated: 4 January 2024