AQM-81 Firebolt

AQM-81 Firebolt - high-speed high-altitude UAV-target. UAV was developed by the American firm Teledyne Ryan Aeronautical. The creation was carried out by order of the US Air Force, which needed high-altitude and high-speed targets for the conduct of preparatory activities for fighter pilots. The design began at the end of 1979, and the first UAV AQM-4 Firebolt was delivered to the US Air Force in 81. The UTCSD Hybrid Rocket Motor, a rocket "hybrid" engine, provides a high speed for the unmanned vehicle, and has extensive experience in the field of creating engines powered by solid fuel components and a liquid oxidizer.

Such a propulsion system made it possible to conduct targeted drone maneuvers sharp change of speed and altitude, making teaching more realistic. Run the target was carried out with special equipment mounted on fighter Mc Donnell F-4 Phantom II. When the AQM-81 launched from the aircraft, it could reach speeds of up to Mach 4,3 and thus raised to a height of more than 31 km. Search the target was carried out by special helicopter, which is equipped with MARS system (Mid-Air Recovery System).

AQM-81 Firebolt. Characteristics:

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