BQM-167A Subscale Aerial Target is a subscale, unmanned aerial target and threat simulator serving missile/weapons development, testing, validation, and training over the Eglin Test and Training Range.
The 82nd Aerial Targets Squadron employs the cheaper subscale targets to complement its QF-16 full scale aerial target fleet operating from Tyndall.
The BQM-167 is boosted to flying speed from a launch rail via a solid-fuel Rocket-Assisted Take Off (RATO) motor which is then jettisoned. BQM-167 is capable of representing air targets maneuvering at up to nine Gs at speeds up to Mach 0.91 and altitudes between 50 and 50,000 feet.
The drone is constructed of durable, lightweight composites, equipped with a recovery parachute, and depending on its condition capable of being refurbished and reused.
BQM-167s incorporate a scoring system and a range of threat-simulating
systems/stores including IFF, EA pods, IR/radar countermeasures as well
as IR/radar signature augmentation to simulate a variety of threats.
The Air Force competitively awarded the first BQM-167 production contract
in 2002, and most recently awarded a $31.8 million Lot 15 sole-source contract to Kratos for 35 targets in June 2019. FY21 funds support Lot 17 production of 25 subscale targets.
Contractor: Kratos Unmanned Aerial Systems.
First Flight: Dec. 8, 2004.
Delivered: 2004-present.
IOC: 2008.
Production: 800+ (planned).
Inventory: Unknown.
Operator: ACC.
Aircraft Location: Tyndall AFB, Fla.
Active Variant: •BQM-167A. Subscale aerial target.
Dimensions: Span 10.5 ft, length 20 ft, height 4 ft.
Weight: Max T-O 2,050 lb.
Power Plant: MicroTurbo (Safran) Tri 60-5 turbofan, 1,000 lb thrust.
Performance: Speed Mach 0.91, range unknown.
Ceiling: 50,000 ft.
Defensive Systems: Chaff/flares, EA pods, IR/RF wing pods (augmentation).
Accommodation: Preprogrammed, unmanned.