File:BQM-34A-53 “Firebee”, MQM-107D “Streaker” (49871646097).jpg

From the museum website:

BQM-34A-53 “Firebee” BY RYAN

The Firebee is a remotely-controlled target manufactured by Teledyne Ryan Aeronautical, San Diego, California. A single turbojet engine propels the Firebee at high subsonic speeds. The target is designed to be launched from a suitably equipped aircraft or short rail-type launcher. For ground launch, the launcher is elevated 15 degrees and the target becomes airborne using rocket-assisted takeoff (RATO) thrust to reach an altitude and airspeed that will permit remote control. The target is capable of operating at altitudes ranging from 50 feet above the ground to 60,000 feet above sea level at speeds over 600 mph. During the flight, the target is controlled through all normal flight maneuvers and is recovered by use of a parachute recovery system. The Firebee’s basic mission is to test, train, and evaluate surface-to-air and air-to-air missile systems.

The Warner Robins Air Logistics Center is responsible for all USAF BQM-34 support.

SPECIFICATIONS: Wingspan: 12 ft. 11 in. Length: 22 ft. Height: 6 ft. 8 in. Weight: 2,800 lbs. Propulsion: J85-GE-100 Serial Number: 98-8007

PERFORMANCE: Speed: 690 mph. Endurance: 90 min. Ceiling: 60,000 ft. Range: 800 miles

MQM-107D “Streaker” BY BEECHCRAFT

The MQM-107 Streaker was developed by the Beech Aircraft Corporation (now Raytheon Aircraft Company) to meet a US Army requirement for a variable speed target for training surface-to-air missile and anti-aircraft artillery crews. Beginning in 1984, the USAF took delivery of an enlarged model for training USAF interceptor crews, the MQM-107B. The Streaker could simulate a variety of targets, mimicking the heat and radar returns of missile and aircraft. In addition, it could drop chaff and flares to deceive interceptor crews. The Streaker was launched from a ground site, and with the aid of solid fuel boosters, would accelerate the vehicle to approximately 250 mph in about 2 seconds. A small turbojet engine then took over for the remainder of the flight. The Streaker’s route of flight could be programmed prior to launch, or changed during the flight by a ground controller using a radio link. At the end of the mission, a parachute recovery system was used for land or water recovery.

Warner Robins Air Logistics Center manages all remotely piloted vehicles (RPV) and target vehicles for the USAF. The Museum’s Streaker was delivered to the USAF in April 1990 and assigned to the 3rd Tactical Fighter Wing, Clark AB, Philippines. It was shipped to the Museum in 1991 after landing in the Pacific Ocean, rendering it no longer usable.

SPECIFICATIONS: Span: 9 ft. 10 in. Length: 18 ft. 1 in. Height: 4 ft. 10 in. Weight: 1,464 lbs. max. Armament: None Engine: Microturbo North America TR1 60-5 turbojet Cost: $125,697 Serial Number: 85-271

PERFORMANCE: Maximum speed: 575 mph. Endurance: 2 hours 18 min.