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BQM-177
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Kratos BQM-177

The BQM-177A Sub-Sonic Aerial Target (SSAT) is used by the U.S. Navy to emulate threats by sea-skimming anti-ship missiles. The recoverable jet-powered drone is launched from ships using solid-propellant rocket boosters. It can reach a speed of Mach 0.95 and fly as low as 2m (6.6 ft) above the surface. The BQM-177 replaces the BQM-74E Chukar target drone.

Photo: Kratos Defense & Security Solutions
BQM-177A


Full-rate production of the BQM-177A has started in 2020, and more than 200 drones have been delivered or are on order so far.

Specifications

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

Data for BQM-177A:

Length5.18 m (204 in)
Wingspan2.13 m (84 in)
Weight486 kg (1073 lb)
SpeedMach 0.95 (low altitude)
Range550 km (300 nm) at high altitude; 280 km (150 nm) at low altitude
Propulsion1 Microturbo Tri 60-5+ turbojet

Main Sources

[1] NAVALTODAY.COM: "US Navy’s BQM-177A subsonic aerial target drone fully operational"
[2] U.S. Navy: BQM-177A


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Last Updated: 1 January 2024