| CQM-121A / CGM-121B | |
|---|---|
 YCGM-121B at theNational Museum of the USAF | |
| General information | |
| Type | Anti-radar drone |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Boeing |
| Primary user | United States Air Force |
| Number built | 13 (YCQM-121A) |
| History | |
| First flight | 1983 |
| Retired | 1989 |
TheBoeing CQM-121 Pave Tiger is anunmanned aerial vehicle developed byBoeing for use by theUnited States Air Force. Intended for theSuppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) role, the drone reached the flight-test stage before cancellation.
The CQM-121 program began in 1983, with Boeing being awarded a contract for the development of a smalldrone aircraft that was intended for the suppression of enemyair defenses.[1] The resultingYCQM-121A, given the code name "Pave Tiger", was a tailless aircraft powered by atwo-stroke engine.[2] The drones were to be fitted in 15-cell containers with wings folded; the sides of the container would open to allow for launch on a rail using a solid-fuel rocket booster. The aircraft would then follow a pre-programmed route, and could either useelectronic countermeasures to suppress air defense systems, or use a smallwarhead to directly destroy them.[3]
Flight testing of the 13 YCQM-121A aircraft began in 1983, however the following year the project was terminated.[3] The aircraft was resurrected in 1987, however, as an alternative to theAGM-136 Tacit Rainbow anti-radar missile; the anti-radar version, designatedYCGM-121B and codenamed "Seek Spinner", first flew in 1988.[4] It was equipped with a warhead for the destruction of enemy radars, and could loiter while awaiting detection of an enemy radar set.[3] The program was terminated in 1989.[5]
Also in 1987, the U.S. Air Force ordered an electronic countermeasure version of the aircraft, given the designationYCEM-138A Pave Cricket. Equipped with anAN/ALQ-176 jammer, the program was also cancelled in 1989.[6]
Data from Parsch 2002[3]
General characteristics
Performance
Armament