AQM-81A Firebolt.
Abstract
Supersonic subscale aerial targets are required for employment in weapons system development, test and evaluation, and training to simulate high performance aircraft and missiles. As a result of extensive studies by the Air Force and Navy and successful completion of advanced development, the AQM-81A Firebolt has been selected at the most cost effective solution to satisfy projected high altitude supersonic requirements. The AQM-81A Firebolt vehicle is 216 inches long and 13 inches in diameter. The propulsion system uses a solid propellant with a liquid oxidizer catalyst. The vehicle contains a parachute recovery system to allow midair retrieval as the primary recovery procedure and a flotation system to allow water recovery. A Programmable Radar Augmentation System (PRAS) provides in the forward hemisphere (+10 to -60 sq m degrees in elevation). The Scalar Scoring System (SSS) provides missiles miss distance information throughout 90 percent of the scoring volume described by a 150-foot sphere centered on the target. The purpose of this project is to support AFOTEC in the IOT&E of the AQM-81A Firebolt system. The purpose of the AQM-81A IOT&E is to evaluate the military utility of the Firebolt system in simulating representative threat targets for weapon system evaluation and training.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 21, 1983
- Accession Number
- ADA135895