| BQM-167 Skeeter | |
|---|---|
 BQM-167 Skeeter target drone | |
| General information | |
| Type | Unmannedtarget drone |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Composite Engineering Inc. Kratos Defense & Security Solutions |
| Status | In service |
| Primary user | United States Air Force |
| Number built | 37[1] |
| History | |
| Developed into | Kratos BQM-177[2] |
TheComposite Engineering BQM-167 Skeeter is a subscaleaerial target (drone) developed and manufactured by Composite Engineering Inc. (acquired byKratos Defense & Security Solutions) and operated by theUnited States Air Force and certain international customer air forces (designation BQM-167i). It replaced theBeechcraft MQM-107 Streaker.
The BQM-167 was developed and manufactured by Composite Engineering Inc. (now part of Kratos Defense & Security Solutions), and is constructed ofcarbon fiber andepoxy-based materials.[1][3]
Two prototype targets were built and test flown in 2001. The BQM-167A was selected as the next-generation Air Force subscale aerial target in July 2002. A total of six targets were built for use during the flight performance demonstration (FPD) phase with its first flight 8 December 2004. A total of 13 FPD launches were made into March 2006.[1]
First acceptance testing was completed in August 2006, then pre-operational testing consisted of 13 test flights using production targets from August 2006 - June 2007. The first BQM-167 air-to-air missile live-fire mission took place 7 February 2007. Initial Operational Capability was achieved in 2008. Each target cost US$570,000.[1]
The82nd Aerial Targets Squadron operates and maintains the target atTyndall Air Force Base,Florida.
The drone is land-launched using a rocket-assisted takeoff and launched from a rail system, and recovered on land or sea using a parachute system. After assessment and refurbishment, the drone is placed back into service.[1]
The USAF has had 37 in inventory.[1]
On 19 March 2021, a BQM-167 washed ashore inBoynton Beach, Florida after a weapon systems evaluation.[4]
On 23 November 2015, Kratos completed the second flight of its self-funded Unmanned Tactical Aerial Platform (UTAP-22), a development of the BQM-167A converted into a low-costunmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV). The test involved collaborative airborne operations with a mannedAV-8B Harrier fighter for 94 minutes demonstrating command and control through a tacticaldata-link, autonomous formation flying with the AV-8B, and transfer of UTAP-22 control between operators in a tactical network and then to an independent control link.[5] The 6.1 m (21 ft)-long turbojet-powered aircraft can travel at Mach 0.91 (693 mph; 1,115 km/h) up to an altitude of 50,000 ft (15,000 m) with a maximum range of 1,400 nmi (1,600 mi; 2,600 km) and an endurance of three hours. It can carry a 159 kg (351 lb) internal payload, a 227 kg (500 lb) external payload, and has a 45 kg (99 lb)-capable weapon hardpoint on each wing. The platform is recoverable on land or at sea using a parachute system.[6][7] In May 2017, the UTAP-22 received the official nameMako.[8] The aircraft costs between $2-$3 million.[9]
Data from
• US Air Force - Fact Sheet, BQM-167A[1]
• Kratos Unmanned Systems - Quick Facs, BQM-167A[12]
General characteristics
Performance
Avionics
IR and RF Tow Targets; IR and RF Wing Pods;[clarification needed] Chaff / Flare Dispensing; Vector & Scalar Scoring
