The Composite Engineering BQM-167 Skeeter is a subscale aerial target (drone) developed and manufactured by Composite Engineering Inc. (acquired by Kratos Defense & Security Solutions) and operated by the United States Air Force and certain international customer air forces (designation BQM-167i). It replaced the Beechcraft MQM-107 Streaker.
Design and development The BQM-167 was developed and manufactured by Composite Engineering Inc. (now part of Kratos Defense & Security Solutions), and is constructed of carbon fiber and epoxy-based materials.BQM-167A Air Force Subscale Aerial Target, USAF, 2009-05-20, accessed 2017-02-23BQM-167A brochure, KratosUSD, accessed 2017-02-23
Two prototype targets were built and test flown in 2001. The BQM-167A was selected as the next-generation Air Force subscale aerial target in July 2002. A total of six targets were built for use during the flight performance demonstration (FPD) phase with its first flight 8 December 2004. A total of 13 FPD launches were made into March 2006.
First acceptance testing was completed in August 2006, then pre-operational testing consisted of 13 test flights using production targets from August 2006 - June 2007. The first BQM-167 air-to-air missile live-fire mission took place 7 February 2007. Initial Operational Capability was achieved in 2008. Each target cost US$570,000.
Operational history
The 82nd Aerial Targets Squadron operates and maintains the target at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida.
The drone is land-launched using a rocket-assisted takeoff and launched from a rail system, and recovered on land or sea using a parachute system. After assessment and refurbishment, the drone is placed back into service.
The USAF has had 37 in inventory.
On 19 March 2021, a BQM-167 washed ashore in Boynton Beach, Florida after a weapon systems evaluation.
Variants UTAP-22 Mako
On 23 November 2015, Kratos completed the second flight of its self-funded Unmanned Tactical Aerial Platform (UTAP-22), a development of the BQM-167A converted into a low-cost unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV). The test involved collaborative airborne operations with a manned AV-8B Harrier fighter for 94 minutes demonstrating command and control through a tactical data-link, autonomous formation flying with the AV-8B, and transfer of UTAP-22 control between operators in a tactical network and then to an independent control link.Kratos Completes Second Flight of Tactical Unmanned Aircraft - Ainonline.com, 9 December 2015 The 6.1 m (21 ft)-long turbojet-powered aircraft can travel at up to an altitude of with a maximum range of and an endurance of three hours. It can carry a internal payload, a external payload, and has a -capable weapon hardpoint on each wing. The platform is recoverable on land or at sea using a parachute system.Kratos breaking into the unmanned combat air vehicle market - Flightglobal.com, 5 May 2016Kratos gets green light to market potentially-armed Mako ‘loyal wingman’ drone to allies. Defense News. 1 May 2018. In May 2017, the UTAP-22 received the official name Mako.USAF Research Lab Has Released This Image Of Its Low-Cost Stealthy Drone - Thedrive.com, 19 May 2017 The aircraft costs between $2-$3 million.Kratos’ Mako drone approved for sale to foreign militaries. Flight International. 15 March 2018.
Operators
United States Air Force Singapore Republic Of Singapore Air Force
Swedish Defence Materiel Administration
Specifications
References
External links
Kratos BQM-167 page Kratos UTAP-22 Mako page