BQM-90

In 1970, the U.S. Navy began the ZBQM-90A program to develop a new high-altitude supersonic target for air-to-air and surface-to-air missile test and evaluation. The BQM-90 was to be suitable for ground and air launch, and to be recoverable by parachute. The target was planned to be powered by a turbojet, and to be remotely controlled by air- and ground-based control stations. The altitude requirements were eventually extended to cover also sea-skimming flight profiles for anti-ship missile threat simulation. By the end of 1972, performance requirements were Mach 3 at 24400 m (80000 ft) and Mach 1.3 at low altitude. The ZBQM-90A program continued until 1973, when it was cancelled because of lack of funding. Most likely no contractor had yet been selected at the time of cancellation.

Specifications

I have no details about the planned physical characteristics of the BQM-90 target.

Main Sources

[1] Department of Defense Missile Nomenclature Records
[2] William Wagner, William P. Sloan: "Fireflies and other UAVs", Midland Publishing, 1992

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Last Updated: 26 September 2005