| Q-4 / AQM-35 | |
|---|---|
 XQ-4 | |
| General information | |
| Type | Target drone |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Northrop Corporation |
| Primary user | United States Air Force |
| Number built | 25 |
| History | |
| First flight | January 1956 |
| Retired | mid 1960s |
TheAQM-35 was asupersonic targetdrone produced by theNorthrop Corporation.
The AQM-35 program began life in 1953 as the Model RP-61 supersonic target drone. In June 1954 theUnited States Air Force awarded Northrop a contract for development of the project as the Q-4; the first flight-capable XQ-4 was launched in 1956.
The XQ-4 was capable of either ground or air launch, though the former mode was never tested. It was powered by aWestinghouse XJ81-WE-3turbojet, allowing it to reach speeds ofMach 1.55. The drone's course was followed withradar, and flight commands were sent by aradiotelemetry system. When the mission was completed the XQ-4 would deploy a three-stageparachute system along with four large inflatable airbags to cushion the impact with the ground.
The Air Force planned to use the Q-4 as a target for varioussurface-to-air andair-to-air missiles. A secondaryreconnaissance function was planned, with TV or cameras carried. The drone was air-launched by aLockheed DC-130 Hercules drone controller aircraft, or other carrier aircraft.
In 1963, the Q-4 family of drones were given the designation AQM-35A and AQM-35B. They were never considered entirely successful, with a variety of problems arising during both the development and flight testing phases. It was also considered that the flight performance of the drone was so high that it was not a realistic test for the missiles being developed––ironic since the whole point of the project was to develop a supersonic target. Only 25 of all types were ever built. The last examples of the type were retired during the 1960s.
General characteristics
Performance
