Directory of U.S. Military Rockets and Missiles
BQM-126
UUM-125
AQM-127
Copyright © 2002 Andreas Parsch

Beech BQM-126

In 1983, the U.S. Navy planned to replace their BQM-34 Firebee and MQM/BQM-74 Chukar targets with a new subscale variable-speed training target. At that time the designation YBQM-126A was reserved for the new target. Beech proposed the Model 997, a derivative of the MQM-107 Streaker family. The Model 997 first flew in March 1984, and Beech was awarded a contract for full-scale development of the BQM-126A in 1985.

Image: Raytheon
BQM-126A


The BQM-126A was externally very similar to the MQM-107D Streaker, except that twin endplate fins replaced the MQM-107's single vertical tail. This was done to reduce the overall height of the target, thereby simplifying carriage beneath the fuselage of aircraft for air-launches. It was powered by a Microturbo TRI 60-3 Model 097 (J403-MT-400) turbojet engine. With the help of a solid-propellant rocket booster, the BQM-126A could also be launched from land and ships, and the target was recoverable by parachute over water and land. It had a digital autopilot and a radio command system for both preprogrammed and fully ground-controlled missions. The target could be equipped with the usual payloads like radar, IR and visual augmentors, scoring devices and countermeasures. It could be used for surface-to-air, air-to-air and ship-defense missile evaluation and training.

Photo: A.J. Pelletier
BQM-126A


The U.S. Navy originally had plans to procure up to 700 BQM-126A targets. However, the whole production program was cancelled, presumably because of lack of funds.

Specifications

Note: Data given by several sources show slight variations. Figures given below may therefore be inaccurate!

Data for BQM-126A:

Length5.64 m (18 ft 6 in)
Wingspan3.05 m (10 ft)
Diameter38 cm (15 in)
Weight (incl. booster)630 kg (1400 lb)
Speed1075 km/h (580 kts)
Ceiling12200 m (40000 ft)
Endurance1 h 36 min
PropulsionMicroturbo J403-MT-400 turbojet; 4.0 kN (900 lb)

Main Sources

[1] Kenneth Munson: "World Unmanned Aircraft", Jane's, 1988
[2] A.J. Pelletier: "Beech Aircraft and their Predecessors", Putnam, 1995


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Last Updated: 16 October 2002