MQM-178 Firejet

The MQM-178 Firejet fills a variety of end-to-end weapons-release training roles, including surface-to-air and air-to-air. The Firejet delivers a high degree of versatility by providing the opportunity to test multiple weapon systems with one flexible and affordable aerial target system.

Fact Sheet

MQM-178 at a Glance

Design

The MQM-178 aerial target features a carbon-fiber composite construction with advanced manufacturing techniques. Its compact, modular design supports a variety of custom payloads.

Speed

The drone can fly at 0.69 Mach and has a 35,000-foot (10,670 meters) above mean sea level (MSL) service ceiling, plus low-level capability at 20 feet (6 meters) above ground level (AGL), performing g-turns from -2g to 9g.

Readiness

The Firejet is developed to allow Army, Air Force, and Naval troops to test a variety of weapon systems in both surface-to-air and air-to-air training scenarios. It also assists operators in anti-aircraft artillery training missions.

Capacity

The maximum internal payload capacity is 70 pounds (32 kilograms), with a wing tip capacity of 20 pounds (9 kilograms) per side and a wing station capacity of 35 pounds (15.9 kilograms) per side.

Flexible Aerial Launch

Pneumatically launched, the Firejet can be launched from land or ship, reducing operating costs by eliminating the need for costly Rocket-Assisted Take-Off (RATO) equipment. Its lightweight, compact design adapts to existing pneumatic launch systems. Featuring a shoulder-mounted delta wing and V-tail empennage, it measures 10.8 feet (3.3 meters) long, 2 feet (0.6 meters) high, and has a wingspan of 6.2 feet (1.9 meters). With a dry weight of 130 pounds (59 kilograms) and a maximum launch weight of 320 pounds (145 kilograms), it carries an internal payload of 70 pounds (32 kilograms).

Optimizing Training Operations

The MQM-178 Firejet is a versatile, compact aerial target for weapons training, with a maximum speed of 0.69 Mach and a payload capacity of 70 pounds (32 kilograms).

As the smallest of Kratos’ aerial targets, it supports a range of payloads, including tow targets and radio frequency (RF) / infrared (IR) augmentation.

The drone can operate in manual or pre-programmed modes and is recoverable via parachute. Its command and control system can manage up to eight drones simultaneously.

First unveiled in 2011, the Firejet enhances training for air and naval forces by allowing effective testing of multiple weapon systems.

As the smallest of Kratos’ aerial targets, it supports a range of payloads, including tow targets and radio frequency (RF) / infrared (IR) augmentation.

The drone can operate in manual or pre-programmed modes and is recoverable via parachute. Its command and control system can manage up to eight drones simultaneously.

First unveiled in 2011, the Firejet enhances training for air and naval forces by allowing effective testing of multiple weapon systems.

Related Resources

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