Kratos MQM-178 Firejet

MQM-178 Firejet
Role	Unmanned target drone
National origin	United States
Manufacturer	Kratos Defense & Security Solutions
Introduction	2019
Status	In service
Primary user	QinetiQ

The Kratos MQM-178 Firejet is a subsonic aerial target drone for use in training against surface-to-air and air-to-air missiles. It was developed by Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, and is currently in service with several operators worldwide.^[1]

Operational history

Pre-production MQM-178As were first used by QinetiQ during the 2017 Formidable Shield exercise; in July 2018 a production contract was signed by QinetiQ for delivery of MQM-178s over a ten-year period.^[2] In November 2018 a three-year contract, with an option for another six years, was signed by the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration for MQM-178A deliveries.^[2]

Specifications

Data from ^[2]

General characteristics

• Crew: None
• Length: 10 ft 10 in (3.3 m)
• Wingspan: 6 ft 3 in (1.9 m)
• Height: 2 ft 0 in (0.6 m)
• Empty weight: 130 lb (59 kg)
• Max takeoff weight: 320 lb (145 kg)
• Fuel capacity: 64.4l
• Powerplant: 2 × JetCat C81 turbojets, 81 lbf (0.36 kN) thrust each

Performance

• Maximum speed: Mach 0.69
• Service ceiling: 35,010 ft (10,670 m)

References

1. Parsch, Andreas (1 January 2024). "Kratos MQM-178 Firejet". Directory of U.S. Military Rockets and Missiles. Designation-Systems. Retrieved 26 November 2024.
2. "MQM-178 Firejet Target Drone". Airforce Technology. 3 June 2019. Retrieved 26 November 2024.