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Beechcraft MQM-107 Streaker
Beechcraft MQM-107 Streaker
Beechcraft MQM-107 Streaker
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The Beechcraft MQM-107 Streaker is a reusable, turbojet powered, target towing drone primarily used by the United States Army and the United States Air Force for testing and training. The US Army uses the drone for testing various surface-to-air missile systems such as the FIM-92 Stinger and the MIM-104 Patriot. The US Air Force uses them in practice engagements for their air-to-air missiles like the AIM-9 Sidewinder and the AIM-120 AMRAAM.[3]

Key Information

Design and development

[edit]

The MQM-107 was originally developed by Beech Aircraft for the United States Army Aviation and Missile Command's 1972 Variable Speed Training Target (VSTT) requirement. It was announced as the winner in 1975, and the Army took delivery of the original model (the MQM-107A) until 1979.[2] Over the next two decades, several updated variants of the Streaker were introduced with different engines and payloads.

The MQM-107 is designed as a high-subsonic target drone, featuring a slight sweep in the wings and a centerline mounted turbojet engine. The drone is launched from the ground with a rocket booster accelerating it until the jet engine takes over. It can be recovered by parachute and reused.

The Streaker is generally designed to operate as a tow vehicle for missile and gun targets. The aircraft can carry either radar or infrared tow targets for missile training, as well as a square banner with an enhanced radar signature for gunnery training. Flare and/or chaff pods can be carried as well.[1]

Operational history

[edit]

Production of the MQM-107 ended in 2003, and the current inventory is being phased out in favor of its replacement, the BQM-167 Skeeter.

In 2012, it was reported that North Korea had acquired several MQM-107D aircraft second-hand from a Middle Eastern country,[4] and the following year revealed an indigenous target drone type believed to be based on the Streaker.[5]

Variants

[edit]
An F-16 Fighting Falcon flying in formation with a MQM-107E.
MQM-107A
  • Original model, powered by a Teledyne CAE J402-CA-700 turbojet. The export version of this model was known as the Model 999, with subdesignations A, D, E, and F for different countries.[1]
MQM-107B
  • This variant was introduced in 1982 with the more powerful Microturbo TRI 60-2 turbojet engine, and featured a larger fuselage with a higher payload capability.[2] This model was exported under the Model 999 name again, this time as either the B, L, or H as versions.[1]
MQM-107C
  • This variant essentially took the fuselage of the MQM-107B and used the engine from the "A" model. This model was built to exhaust the surplus of the J402-CA-700 engines.[2][1]
MQM-107D
  • This variant was introduced in 1987 with another new engine, the J402-CA-702. In 1989 the engine was replaced with a newer version of Microturbo's TRI 60 engine, the TRI 60-5.[2]
MQM-107E
Super-MQM
  • This variant was an experimental Raytheon version of the MQM-107D with improved thrust and additional payload capabilities.
Raider
  • Beech proposed this variant of the MQM-107 at the Paris Air Show in 1985. This was to be a tactical UAV that utilized active and passive countermeasures and other decoys to confuse and distract enemies in a combat situation.[2][1]

Operators

[edit]
Map with former MQM-107 operators in red

Former operators

[edit]

Specifications (MQM-107B)

[edit]

Data from [6]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 0
  • Length: 18 ft 1 in (5.5 m)
  • Wingspan: 9 ft 10 in (3.0 m)
  • Height: 4 ft 10 in (1.47 m)
  • Max takeoff weight: 1,464 lb (664 kg)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Microturbo TRI 60 Turbojet

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 575 mph (925 km/h, 500 kn)
  • Service ceiling: 40,000 ft (12,192 m)

See also

[edit]

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Beechcraft MQM-107 Streaker

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Beechcraft MQM-107 Streaker is a reusable, turbojet-powered, ground-launched aerial developed for military training, primarily simulating enemy aircraft signatures to test air-to-air and systems. Initiated in 1972 by the Beech Aircraft Corporation to fulfill a U.S. Army requirement for a Variable Speed Training Target (VSTT), the program selected Beech's Model 1089 design in 1975, leading to the first production contract that year. The drone features a compact with a of approximately 9 feet 10 inches, a length of 18 feet 1 inch, and a of 1,464 pounds, powered by engines such as the turbojet or , enabling speeds up to 575 mph (926 km/h) and an operational ceiling of 40,000 feet. Launched via solid-fuel rocket boosters that accelerate it to 250 mph in seconds, it supports programmable or for flight paths, and is recovered by for reusability, often towing sub-targets or deploying and flares to mimic and signatures. The MQM-107 entered service with the U.S. Army as the MQM-107A variant in the late 1970s, with around 400 units delivered by that decade's end, followed by adoption by the U.S. Air Force with the enlarged MQM-107B in 1984 for interceptor crew training. Subsequent variants included the non-standard MQM-107C (about 70 units), the improved MQM-107D starting in 1987 (over 700 produced), and the advanced MQM-107E from 1996, featuring a digital autopilot and enhanced speed up to 631 mph (1,015 km/h). Over its service life, which extended into the 2010s until phased out, more than 1,300 Streakers were built under contracts managed by following its acquisition of , with production ending in 2003, units costing around $125,697 each and used in exercises like Combat Archer for weapons evaluation. Notably, the drone was exported to as the Kalkara variant and served as a precursor to later unmanned systems, though the design was notably reverse-engineered by for their reconnaissance drones; it was eventually phased out in favor of the BQM-167 Skeeter.

Development

Origins and Competition

In 1972, the United States Army initiated the Variable Speed Training Target (VSTT) program through its Aviation and Missile Command to procure a reusable, subsonic, jet-powered drone for simulating aerial threats in . The requirement specified a versatile target capable of variable speeds up to high-subsonic levels, low-altitude operations, and recovery for multiple missions to support cost-effective against evolving air defense scenarios. Beechcraft entered the VSTT competition with its Model 1089 proposal, which emphasized reusability via a recovery system allowing land or water retrieval after missions. The design focused on achieving high-subsonic speeds with a powerplant, while incorporating modular payloads for enhanced simulation of enemy , including options for towing radar reflectors or dispensers to replicate and signatures. Competing proposals included Northrop's VSTT derived from the MQM-74 Chukar, which underwent prototypes in 1974. In April 1975, after comparative assessments of performance, recoverability, and cost projections, the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command announced as the winner and awarded the initial development and production contract for what became the MQM-107 Streaker. The early concepts underlying 's selection prioritized low acquisition and operational costs through durable construction and reusability, alongside versatility to adapt to diverse payloads without specialized modifications. This contract provided the foundational funding to advance the program toward .

Prototyping and Production

Following its selection in the 1975 competition for the U.S. Army's Variable Speed Target program, constructed the first of the MQM-107 Streaker during 1973 and 1974, incorporating a Teledyne CAE J402-CA-700 engine rated at 2.85 kN thrust. The underwent a test program in 1974 to validate the design's performance as a reusable . Full-scale production of the initial MQM-107A variant began in 1975 at Beechcraft's facilities in , with assembly focusing on a lightweight airframe constructed from an aluminum combined with bonded composite materials for the wings and surfaces, along with plastic nose and cones. Deliveries of the MQM-107A to the U.S. Army continued until 1979, yielding approximately 400 units during this phase. Subsequent production milestones included the introduction of the MQM-107B in , featuring enhanced payload capacity and a more powerful Microturbo TRI 60-2 engine, with around 200 units delivered through 1986. The MQM-107D followed in , incorporating upgrades like the Teledyne CAE J402-CA-702 engine in later examples, and approximately 700 units were built into the , marking peak output during the as demand for advanced aerial targets grew. A limited run of about 70 MQM-107C units was also produced to utilize surplus components from earlier models. The overall production run extended from 1975 to 2003 under contracts initially awarded to and later managed by following its acquisition of Beech in 1980, with the MQM-107E variant's contract going to Tracor (later ) in 1994; more than 1,300 units were built across the primary variants, with unit costs estimated at approximately $126,000 in mid- dollars.

Testing and Entry into Service

The prototype of the Beechcraft MQM-107 Streaker made its in 1974 at Beechcraft's facility in . This initial flight marked the beginning of evaluations for the U.S. Army's Variable Speed Training Target (VSTT) program, confirming basic airworthiness and functionality. Following the prototype flight, the MQM-107 underwent an extensive testing program spanning 1975 to 1984, encompassing a range of performance assessments to validate its role as a reusable aerial target. Key evaluations included speed trials achieving up to Mach 0.93, endurance flights demonstrating sustained operations beyond two hours, and rigorous validation of the two-stage recovery system for safe ground or water retrieval. These tests were conducted primarily at military ranges, building on the successful VSTT competition win in and informing iterative design refinements prior to full production. Qualification trials, overseen by the U.S. Army at , further demonstrated the drone's operational versatility, including successful towing of and radar-reflective targets to simulate threat scenarios for missile systems. Data from these trials highlighted the need for early modifications, such as enhanced control surfaces to improve aerodynamic stability during high-speed maneuvers and target towing. The MQM-107A entered service with the U.S. Army in 1979, following completion of the qualification process and initial production deliveries that scaled up from prototyping efforts. The U.S. subsequently adopted the MQM-107B variant in for air-to-air gunnery and , leveraging its recoverable for cost-effective repeated use.

Design

Airframe and Structure

The Beechcraft MQM-107 Streaker employs a low-wing airframe configuration with swept wings to facilitate high-subsonic flight characteristics. Its overall dimensions measure 18 ft 1 in (5.5 m) in length, 9 ft 10 in (3.0 m) in , and 4 ft 10 in (1.47 m) in height, with a fuselage of 15 in (38 cm). The structure utilizes a hybrid aluminum-composite , featuring an aluminum for primary load-bearing and bonded composites for the wings and surfaces to balance strength, durability, and reduced weight; components form the and cones. The adopts a slender tubular design to accommodate the engine and bays, divided into seven modular sections—nose, fuel tankage, aft body, wings, , engine , and aerodynamic fairings—for simplified assembly, , and . Launch occurs via a zero-length ground rail system employing a booster, such as the SR121-NP-2, to accelerate the drone to operational speed. Recovery involves mid-air deployment of a two-stage , enabling the airframe's reuse for multiple missions.

Propulsion and Recovery System

The Beechcraft MQM-107 Streaker employs a system optimized for short-duration target missions, with engine selections varying by to enhance . Early production models, such as the MQM-107A and MQM-107C, were powered by a Teledyne CAE J402-CA-700 engine delivering 2.85 kN (approximately 640 lbf) of , mounted in a ventral . Later variants introduced upgrades for higher speed and altitude capabilities; the MQM-107B featured the more powerful Microturbo TRI 60-2 (Model 074) with 3.70 kN (832 lbf) . Subsequent models like the MQM-107D and MQM-107E utilized either the Teledyne CAE J402-CA-702 at 4.27 kN (960 lbf) or the Microturbo TRI 60-5 (Model 220) at 4.23 kN (951 lbf), enabling improved operational envelopes. The aircraft carries an internal fuel capacity of 64 US gallons (approximately 242 liters) of jet fuel, compatible with military grades such as JP-4 or JP-5, which supports a typical endurance of 2 hours and 18 minutes during cruise flight. Launch is facilitated by integration of a solid-propellant rocket booster, such as the SR121-NP-2 on later variants, which provides 25.8 kN of thrust for 2.6 seconds to accelerate the drone from a zero-length ground launcher to approximately 250 mph before the main turbojet sustains flight. Reusability is a key feature of the Streaker, achieved through a dedicated recovery system that minimizes post-mission damage. The system employs a two-stage parachute assembly, consisting of a chute followed by a main canopy, deployed from the forward . Deployment is triggered either automatically upon detection of critical system failures or manually via ground command, allowing controlled descent for recovery on land or water surfaces with ground crews retrieving the intact for refurbishment. The propulsion components, including the , are designed for repeated use in target operations, with routine post-flight inspections ensuring reliability across multiple sorties.

Avionics and Target Payloads

The Beechcraft MQM-107 Streaker utilizes a system based on from ground stations, allowing operators to adjust the flight path in real time during missions. This system supports preprogrammed autonomous flight via an onboard , enabling the drone to follow designated routes without constant intervention. Later models incorporate an enhanced datalink for beyond-visual-range operations, integrated through systems like the Army Tactical Command and Control System (ATCCS) for extended control and data exchange. The suite includes a digital in upgraded variants for precise programmed flight paths, along with GPS/ (INS) integration introduced in the 1990s to improve accuracy and autonomy. systems provide real-time monitoring of flight parameters, transmitted via the electronics compartment to ground stations for mission oversight. These features ensure reliable performance in simulating dynamic aerial threats. Payload bays accommodate mission-specific equipment for target simulation, including radar augmentation devices such as corner reflectors to enhance cross-section, infrared flares for signature replication, dispensers to mimic electronic evasion, and countermeasures pods for broader electronic warfare simulation. These payloads are mounted on designated structural points in the and wings to maintain aerodynamic balance. The power system relies on a 28 V DC electrical supply generated by an engine-driven , rated at 1.2 kVA or optionally 4.0 kVA, which supports onboard sensors and for threat simulation during flight. In the 1990s, upgrades included a digital package with GPS/INS and improved datalink capabilities, enhancing compatibility with advanced missile systems such as the Patriot and AMRAAM for realistic training scenarios.

Operational History

U.S. Military Employment

The Beechcraft MQM-107 Streaker served primarily as a for the U.S. Army, supporting testing from the mid-1970s onward at key ranges including and McGregor Range at . The initial MQM-107A variant, delivered starting in 1975, simulated aerial threats for systems such as the man-portable air-defense missile and the , enabling realistic evaluations of detection, tracking, and engagement capabilities. Subsequent models like the MQM-107B, introduced in 1982, expanded these roles to include testing of short-range systems such as the MIM-72 Chaparral, with the drone's variable speed and maneuverability allowing it to replicate diverse threat profiles up to velocities. The U.S. integrated the Streaker into air-to-air training programs, particularly through the Combat Archer exercises conducted by the 53rd Weapons Evaluation Group at , , where it acted as a subscale surrogate for enemy aircraft. In these missions, MQM-107D and E variants were launched to tow sub-scale targets, supporting weapons evaluations for F-15C/D and F-16C/D pilots using infrared- and radar-guided missiles such as the and . The drone's ability to dispense and flares while following programmable or radio-controlled flight paths enhanced the realism of interceptor crew training against simulated adversaries. Throughout its service, the Streaker logged extensive flight hours in non-combat roles, with its and parachute recovery system enabling reuse after missions and thereby minimizing costs compared to expendable alternatives. This reusability proved valuable in supporting broader U.S. military training exercises during the , including preparations for major operations.

Procurement and Phase-Out

The U.S. Army initiated procurement of the MQM-107 Streaker following Beech Aircraft Corporation's selection in 1975 to develop the variable-speed training target (VSTT) system, with the first production contract awarded that year for the MQM-107A variant. Deliveries of approximately 400 MQM-107A units commenced shortly thereafter and continued until 1979, supporting early testing and training requirements for systems. Subsequent multi-year contracts expanded production across variants, including the MQM-107B starting in 1982 with around 200 units delivered by 1986, and the MQM-107D from 1987 onward, which accounted for roughly 700 units; overall, these efforts resulted in more than 1,300 Streakers produced through a series of awards to (later ) totaling hundreds of millions of dollars in value. Inventory management of the Streaker fell under U.S. Army oversight, peaking at several hundred active units in the 1990s to meet demands for aerial target roles in training. The system's reusability, enabled by parachute recovery and , allowed for extensive refurbishment cycles, contributing to sustained operational availability without the need for frequent full replacements. One notable example of a mid-1980s was a $13 million award in 1987 for 146 MQM-107D units, highlighting ongoing investments to maintain fleet levels. Phase-out of the MQM-107 began with the end of production in 2003, as the U.S. Army shifted toward more advanced aerial targets to replace aging assets in its inventory. The BQM-167 Skeeter was selected as the primary successor, with transition efforts targeting completion by the mid-2000s and full retirement of Streakers achieved around 2010. Disposal involved demilitarization of surplus units through scrapping or controlled disassembly to prevent unauthorized reuse, while select airframes underwent refurbishment for potential transfer programs. Lifecycle costs benefited significantly from the drone's recoverability, keeping per-unit expenses—including production, maintenance, and operations—below contemporary benchmarks for disposable targets, estimated in the low hundreds of thousands of dollars.

International Acquisition and Adaptation

Australia acquired the MQM-107E variant, designated , in the late 1990s for use as a to replace the older Jindivik system. In the late 1990s (1997-1998), acquired a small number of second-hand MQM-107D Streaker drones through , from mid-1980s surplus stocks. This transfer was facilitated by post-U.S. phase-out availability of the aircraft, allowing proliferation through secondary markets. The acquisition underscored concerns over the unintended spread of U.S. to adversarial states. North Korea subsequently reverse-engineered the Streaker design, resulting in indigenous unmanned aerial vehicles revealed in a military parade, including a reconnaissance and attack variant employed for border surveillance along the demilitarized zone. These adaptations incorporated guidance systems derived from the original drone's avionics, enabling autonomous operations over contested areas. U.S. intelligence assessments noted this development as a direct outcome of the technology transfer, enhancing North Korea's UAV capabilities for both observation and potential strike missions. Pre-revolutionary acquired MQM-107A units in the 1970s, which informed later domestic designs such as the Karrar UAV. Beyond and , unconfirmed reports from the 1990s suggested possible sales of Streaker units to other Middle Eastern nations, though no detailed verifications emerged. There is no confirmed evidence of operational use by additional proliferators after 2003. International adaptations have included conversions to loitering munitions, where the airframe's capacity supports warheads estimated at 50-100 pounds for precision strikes via direct impact. Such modifications highlight the Streaker's role in broader UAV proliferation risks, as flagged in U.S. evaluations of technology leakage to proliferant regimes.

Variants

MQM-107A

The MQM-107A served as the initial production variant of the Streaker, entering full production in 1975 following Aircraft's win of the U.S. Army's Variable Speed Target (VSTT) competition. Designed primarily for - and infrared-guided , it featured a compact optimized for high-subsonic flight simulation of air defense threats. Powered by a Teledyne CAE J402-CA-700 providing 640 lbf (2.85 kN) of , the MQM-107A was launched via a zero-length launcher using a solid-propellant rocket booster. It employed a basic radio system for real-time control by ground operators, supplemented by preprogrammed flight paths, but lacked advanced datalink capabilities found in later models. The variant achieved a maximum speed of 575 mph (926 km/h) and offered exceeding three hours, though its smaller fuel capacity relative to subsequent variants limited extended missions. Approximately 400 units were produced for the U.S. Army, with deliveries continuing until 1979. The MQM-107A remained the primary Streaker in service through the early 1980s, after which it was gradually supplemented and replaced by the improved MQM-107B starting in 1982.

MQM-107B

The MQM-107B, introduced in 1982 as a mid-life upgrade to the original MQM-107A, featured a lengthened that provided greater internal volume for fuel and . This design modification allowed for enhanced endurance and versatility in target simulations, with the enlarged structure supporting up to approximately 300 pounds of combined fuel and capacity. The variant replaced the Teledyne CAE J402-CA-700 of the A model with the more powerful and reliable Microturbo TRI 60-2 engine, delivering 831 lbf of for improved operational reliability. Production of the MQM-107B ran from 1982 to 1986, with approximately 200 units manufactured by (later under ) and delivered primarily to the U.S. Army and . The Army employed it through the Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training, and Instrumentation's Target Management Office for air defense training, while the used it to simulate enemy and missile threats for interceptor crew exercises. Key enhancements included superior high-altitude capabilities and extended operational range, enabling more realistic air-to-air engagement scenarios compared to the baseline A model. In the 1980s, upgrade initiatives focused on integrating the B model's advanced features into existing fleets, though specific conversion programs from A to B standards were limited. The MQM-107B's configuration, with its robust and expanded , laid the groundwork for later like the C and D models.

MQM-107C

The MQM-107C was a limited-production transitional variant of the Beechcraft MQM-107 Streaker , developed as a non-standard hybrid to utilize surplus components and serve as a cost-saving measure during the shift from earlier engine designs. Approximately 70 units were produced for the U.S. Army, with deliveries occurring in 1985. This configuration allowed the depletion of existing J402-CA-700 stocks from the MQM-107A while incorporating structural advancements from subsequent models. The MQM-107C featured the extended of the MQM-107B paired with the Teledyne CAE J402-CA-700 engine originally used in the MQM-107A, providing continuity in production amid the transition to more powerful engines like the series. Designed primarily for U.S. Army testing as a recoverable aerial , it supported research, development, and evaluation missions. Despite these adaptations, the MQM-107C suffered from reduced overall performance relative to the optimized MQM-107B, primarily due to the less powerful J402-CA-700 engine, which imposed thrust limitations particularly at higher speeds and altitudes. The variant played a brief role in the Streaker's evolution by bridging the engine transition period before being quickly phased out in favor of the MQM-107D, which incorporated the improved TRI 60 engine for better maneuverability and speed.

MQM-107D

The MQM-107D was introduced in 1987 as an advanced production variant of the Streaker, initially equipped with the Teledyne CAE J402-CA-702 engine providing 960 lbf of thrust. From 1989 onward, select units were retrofitted with the Microturbo TRI 60-5 engine, delivering approximately 950 lbf of thrust for enhanced performance in target simulation roles. This variant emphasized cost-effective improvements over prior models, aligning with U.S. Air Force requirements for scalable aerial targets in weapons training and testing. Nearly 700 MQM-107D units were produced, making it the most numerous Streaker variant and the primary drone for U.S. operations through the . Key enhancements included digital supporting programmed autonomous flight modes, enabling realistic of enemy aircraft maneuvers without constant ground control. The airframe also accommodated increased payload capacity for electronic countermeasures (ECM) , such as and dispensers to mimic radar-jamming threats during intercepts. In operational applications, the MQM-107D served as a critical surrogate target for advanced tests, including evaluations of systems like the and in the 1990s at . Surplus MQM-107D units were reportedly acquired by in 2012 from a Middle Eastern country, where they were adapted for potential or attack drone roles. This variant's design influenced subsequent experimental models, such as the MQM-107E, by providing a baseline for further performance expansions.

MQM-107E and Proposed Models

The MQM-107E is an improved variant of the Streaker series, serving as a follow-on to the MQM-107D with enhancements focused on performance and control systems. It features redesigned wings and for increased speed and maneuverability, along with a digital to improve flight stability and precision. First flown in 1992 and entering delivery in 1996, the MQM-107E maintains the overall dimensions of its predecessor at 5.71 meters in length while being compatible with either the Teledyne CAE J402-CA-702 or Microturbo TRI 60-5 engine. This model builds on D variant technology by expanding the operational , enabling more demanding target simulation roles. The MQM-107E has been employed by the military for aerial target duties and was selected by to replace the , receiving the local designation N28 for ship- or ground-launched operations. Testing of the MQM-107E demonstrated its capability to achieve a service ceiling above 40,000 feet (12,200 meters), consistent with the Streaker family's high-altitude performance while incorporating refinements for enhanced maneuverability during missile engagement simulations. Several proposed models based on the Streaker platform did not advance beyond conceptual stages. In 1985, Beechcraft proposed the Raider, a recoverable tactical derived from the MQM-107 , intended for active and passive countermeasures missions to simulate and jamming roles in scenarios; the U.S. military declined to pursue it due to lack of interest. An experimental Super-MQM concept, developed by as a variant of the MQM-107D, aimed to incorporate improved thrust for greater payload capacity but remained unproduced. These proposals were ultimately set aside as the U.S. military shifted toward the BQM-167 Skeeter as the successor to the Streaker family, prioritizing newer designs for requirements.

Operators

United States Operators

The U.S. Army served as the primary operator of the Beechcraft MQM-107 Streaker, employing it extensively for training as part of its aerial target systems repertoire. The Target Management Office (TMO), under the Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training, and Instrumentation (PEO STRI), oversaw the Army's MQM-107 program, including procurement, sustainment, and operational support across various models. Operations were primarily conducted at , , where the drone supported air defense exercises, including towing targets for missile engagements. The Army's inventory encompassed the majority of the program's total production, exceeding 1,000 units across variants like the MQM-107A, B, C, and D, which were used until the early 2010s for training with radar-guided and infrared-seeking systems. The U.S. utilized the MQM-107 for exercises and weapons evaluation, operating it through the at , . A Detachment 1 of the squadron was stationed at , , facilitating regional target operations and launches. The maintained an inventory of approximately 60 subscale aerial targets, including multiple MQM-107D variants, integrated into missions like Combat Archer for live-fire testing. personnel received specialized for drone control, focusing on flight and fault management to ensure mission readiness. Both the Army and Air Force shared maintenance and logistics facilities at , , where the MQM-107 underwent repairs, modifications, and pre-mission preparations for joint and service-specific tests. Training pipelines for operators emphasized certification in UAV ground control systems, with squadrons accumulating significant annual flight hours—often exceeding 2,000 per unit—to support ongoing air defense proficiency. Following initial phase-out efforts in the mid-2000s, operating units from both services provided transition support for integrating the successor BQM-167 Skeeter, aiding in and operational handover.

Foreign Operators

The Beechcraft MQM-107 Streaker has been operated by several foreign nations, primarily through official U.S. exports or acquisitions prior to export restrictions. Australia acquired the MQM-107E variant, designated as the Kalkara (N28), for use by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) as a subsonic unmanned aerial target system to replace the GAF Jindivik. First flown in 1992, it entered service in the late 1990s and was retired in early 2008 after approximately 10 years of joint operations. Iran operated the MQM-107A variant, acquired in the 1970s under pre-revolution U.S. military relations, for aerial target training. These aging units have since been largely replaced by the indigenous , a derivative incorporating elements of the Streaker design. North Korea acquired several MQM-107D units around 2010-2012 from surplus stocks in the , likely originating from U.S. phase-out programs. North Korean forces reverse-engineered these target drones into indigenous reconnaissance and attack variants, incorporating under-fuselage sensor mounts for cameras and provisions for small warheads or bombs, while shortening the fuselage, increasing wingspan, and adding booster rockets for ramp launches. By 2014, North Korea had initiated serial production of these modified copies at facilities like the Panghyon Aircraft Factory, enabling operational deployment for border surveillance and potential strike missions. As of September 2025, North Korean Streaker-derived drones continue limited service for patrols and reconnaissance, integrated into a broader UAV fleet amid ongoing program expansion. Unconfirmed reports suggest may have received a small number of MQM-107 variants prior to 2012 for aerial target practice, with some units possibly transferred onward as surplus amid the , though no active Syrian inventory remains post-conflict. Stringent U.S. export restrictions under the (ITAR) have limited further transfers, classifying the MQM-107 as a defense article requiring congressional notification for sales and prohibiting transfers to proliferant states.

Technical Specifications

General Characteristics (MQM-107B)

The MQM-107B Streaker is an unmanned aerial designed for subsonic flight simulation and testing, featuring a compact optimized for maneuverability and integration. As a variant of the Streaker series, it incorporates a lengthened compared to the initial MQM-107A to accommodate enhanced internal volume for mission equipment. The drone operates without a , relying on for launch, flight, and recovery. Key physical dimensions include a of 18 ft 1 in (5.51 m), a of 9 ft 10 in (3.00 m), and a height of 4 ft 10 in (1.47 m), providing a low-observable profile suitable for and visual acquisition training. The empty weight is approximately 575 lb (261 kg), while the reaches 1,464 lb (664 kg), allowing for the integration of , fuel, and mission payloads. Fuel capacity consists of an internal tank holding about 64 U.S. gal (242 L) of , supporting extended flight profiles for target representation. The payload bay supports up to 250 lb (113 kg) of equipment, such as reflectors, augmenters, /flare dispensers, or scoring systems, enabling versatile mission configurations without offensive armament, as the MQM-107B serves solely as a recoverable .

Performance (MQM-107B)

The MQM-107B variant of the Streaker target drone achieved a maximum speed of 575 mph (925 km/h, 499 kn) at , enabling it to effectively simulate high-speed aerial threats during training exercises. This performance was facilitated by its Microturbo North America TRI 60-2 engine, which provided 831 lb (3.70 kN) of thrust. The drone's endurance extended to 2 hours 18 minutes, allowing for extended mission durations without refueling. The service ceiling was 40,000 ft (12,000 m), providing versatility in altitude for air defense simulations. Following booster separation, the was 8,000 ft/min (41 m/s), contributing to rapid ascent to operational altitudes.

References

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  12. https://nationalinterest.org/blog/reboot/meet-mqm-107-streaker-fierce-cold-war-era-drone-172691
  13. https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/ops/combat-archer.htm
  14. https://www.airandspaceforces.com/app/uploads/2024/12/AFmag_1987_12.pdf
  15. https://aviationweek.com/defense/kratos-deliver-mqm-107-streaker-replacement
  16. https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/tr/pdf/ADA073314.pdf
  17. https://www.38north.org/2014/07/jbermudez070114/
  18. https://www.dia.mil/Portals/110/Documents/News/NKMP.pdf
  19. https://www.foxnews.com/politics/pentagon-north-korea-develops-unmanned-strike-aircraft-from-stolen-us-drone
  20. https://www.businessinsider.com/north-korea-developed-drone-from-us-plan-2014-3
  21. https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/inside-irans-massive-drone-army-630623
  22. https://history.defense.gov/Portals/70/Documents/annual_reports/1984_DoD_AR.pdf
  23. https://ndia.dtic.mil/wp-content/uploads/2002/targets/robertson.pdf
  24. https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/tr/pdf/ADA351447.pdf
  25. https://www.designation-systems.net/dusrm/m-167.html
  26. https://www.dvidshub.net/news/150313/usarpac-commander-visits-fort-bliss
  27. https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/usaf/82ats.htm
  28. https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo/82nd-aerial-targets-squadron.html
  29. https://www.dvidshub.net/video/191983/meads-intercept-mqm-107-target-drone-white-sands-missile-range
  30. https://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/uav-nowra-company-bang-on-target-adm-may-2014
  31. https://www.38north.org/2025/09/current-status-of-north-koreas-drone-program/
  32. https://www.nknews.org/2014/04/crashed-drones-reveal-state-of-norths-drone-program/
  33. https://warontherocks.com/2025/07/north-koreas-deadly-drone-bonanza-is-coming-to-a-peninsula-near-you/
  34. https://www.scribd.com/document/851820627/Jane-s-Unmanned-Aerial-Vehicles-and-Targets
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