Northrop BQM-74 Chukar
The Northrop BQM-74 Chukar aerial target drone is a recoverable, remote controlled, subsonic aerial target, capable of speeds up to Mach 0.86 and altitudes from 30 to 40,000 ft.
The BQM-74E is propelled during flight by a single J400-WR-404 turbojet engine, which produces a maximum thrust of 240 pounds force (1068 N) at sea level. The BQM-74 is launched from a zero length ground launcher utilizing dual Jet Assisted Takeoff (JATO) bottles. When equipped with an air launch kit, the BQM-74 can be air launched from a TA-4J, F-16, Gulfstream Aerospace G-I or DC-130 aircraft. The BQM-74 is used primarily as a realistic aerial target, capable of simulating enemy threats for gunnery and missile training exercises.
Specifications (Surface-launch BQM-74E)
General characteristics
- Crew: none
- Length: 12 ft 11 in (3.94 m)
- Wingspan: 5 ft 9 in (1.76 m)
- Height: 2 ft 4 in (0.71 m)
- Wing area: ft² ( m²)
- Empty: 271 lb (123 kg)
- Loaded: lb ( kg)
- Maximum takeoff: 549 lb (249 kg)
- Powerplant: 1× Williams J400-WR-404 turbojet, 240 lb (1.1 kN) thrust
Performance
- Maximum speed: 606 mph (972 km/h)
- Range: endurance of up to 68 minutes
- Service ceiling: 40,000 ft (12,190 m)
- Rate of climb: ft/min ( m/min)
- Wing loading: lb/ft² (kg/m²)
- Thrust-to-weight:
Related content
Related development:
Comparable aircraft:
Designation sequence: BGM-71 - MIM-72 - UGM-73 - BQM-74 - BGM-75 - AGM-76 - FGM-77