Kratos Defense received $14.7 million to develop BQM-117A subsonic air target program

California manufacturer Kratos Defense has received $14.7 million to develop the BQM-117A Subsonic Aerial Target System program for the U.S. Navy.

Here's What We Know

The U.S. Department of Defense says the contract includes development of new software and modifications to old software for optimal performance of the BQM-117A Subsonic Aerial Target System. Work on the project will run through July 2027 in California and Arizona.

The BQM-117A Subsonic Aerial Target System is an aerial target system developed from the BQM-167A. The subsonic drone has an upgraded hull and a Safran Microturbo TR-60-5+ jet engine. It can carry payloads attached to pylons and in the inner compartment.

The air target is used during tests of shipboard air defense systems. The aircraft has a maneuverability of up to 9g and can fly at an altitude of 2m. The BQM-117A Subsonic Aerial Target System has a top speed of Mach 0.95 (1173 km/h)

Source: Kratos Defense

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