NORTHROP GRUMMAN
'CHUKAR ('TARGET 2000')

US Navy designation: BQM-74F

Powerplant: 1 x 135 kgp Williams International J400-WR-404 (WR24-8)

Contract awarded: 2002

In March 2002, Northrop Grumman received a contract for development of the improved BQM-74F variant of the Chukar, originally marketed by the company as Target 2000. The BQM-74F has general configuration along the lines of the BQM-74C, but features swept wings, an uprated engine with 1.32 kN (135 kgp / 300 lbf) thrust, near supersonic speed (up to Mach 0.93), 50% greater range and endurance than the BQM-74C, greater agility, and an ability to pull 8 gees. The BQM-74F is to have a design lifetime of 20 flights on average.

The IMU/GPS-based waypoint navigation system and new mission planning software (allowing in-flight modification of all parameters) greatly enhance the versatility of the target. The BQM-74F will be able to to simulate a range of different aircraft and cruise missiles. It will also be able to tow targets and decoys, and will be compatible with current Chukar support systems and infrastructure. The Navy awarded Northrop Grumman a development contract in 2002, and initial deliveries are scheduled for 2006.

The first BQM-74F was unveiled to the public in August 2005. Like the Firebee, the Chukar has proven an extremely useful and long-lived piece of gear, and is now looking forward to its fifth decade in operation.

Population: unknown

Specs:
Wingspan: 7 ft (2.1 m)
Length: 15 ft (4.5 m)
Height: unknown
Diameter: 35.3 cm (13.9 in.)
Weight (incl. booster): 281 kg (620 lb)

Launch scheme: air launch or RATO booster
Recovery scheme: parachute
Guidance system: autopilot with radio control
Navigation: GPS/IMU
Fuel: Jet Fuel (JP-5, JP-8 or Jet A-1)

Payload: Passive or Active Radar Augmentation, Seeker Simulators, Infrared Augmentation, Tow System, Scoring Systems, IFF, Electronic Countermeasures

Performance:
Speed: > 600 Knots (1110 km/h) at sea level
Altitude Low: 7 ft (2.1 m)
Altitude High (ceiling): 40,000 ft (12.2 km)
Endurance: 120 Minutes — some sources give 1.7 hour only
Range: > 500 nm (926 km) — some sources give 1670 km (900 nm)

Crew/passengers: unmanned

Main sources: