Firebolt rocket

Developed in the late 1970s and early 1980s, the XAQM-81A Firebolt was a high-altitude, high-speed aerial target based on the earlier liquid-fueled AQM-37A. The Firebolt set two world records for unmanned sustained flight, reaching a speed of Mach 4.3 and an altitude of 103,000 feet. Launched from a carrier aircraft, the Firebolt was powered by a highly-advanced "hybrid" rocket motor featuring a liquid oxidizer and a solid fuel compound. The motor’s thrust could be varied in flight to alter speed and altitude, providing a more flexible and realistic target for USAF interceptor pilots. The Firebolt performed well during testing, but it did not enter production because less expensive alternatives were available. TECHNICAL NOTES: Engine: 1,200 lbs. maximum thrust United Technology hybrid rocket motor (could be throttled down to 120 lbs. thrust) Maximum speed: Mach 4.3 (Approximately 2,600 mph) Endurance at Mach 3: 5 minutes Service ceiling: 100,000 feet Maximum weight: 1,231 lbs. Click here to return to the Prohibited Items: - Firearms* - Knives - Box cutters - Food and Soda Drinks - Alcohol - Coolers * Firearms, to include conceal carry and other dangerous weapons, are specifically prohibited in Federal facilities in accordance with 18 USC §930 (c) Permitted Items: - Water bottles (clear, sealed bottle, up to 20 oz.) - Purses - Camera bags - Diaper bags - Strollers - Service animals Please note the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force is not responsible for items left in ve...

Type of aircraft Manufacturer First flight May 1961 Primaryusers Number built 5,000+ The AQM-37 Jayhawk (originally designated the Beech KD2B) is an air-launched supersonic Development [ ] AQM-37 [ ] In 1959, the The original version was the AQM-37A or Beech Model 1019. The AQM-37A was followed by a confusing list of subvariants, some of which were new production, others which were modifications of existing AQM-37s. These variants were intended to simulate different classes of threats, such as sea-skimming antiship missiles or high-altitude naval attack missiles, or provide better performance. One high-performance variant with improved thermal protection attained a speed of Mach 4.7 and an altitude of over 112,000 feet (34 kilometers) on a ballistic trajectory. The final US Navy variant was designated AQM-37C. After an evaluation of the AQM-37A in the late 1960s, the US Army bought a small initial batch of Model 1100/1101 AQM-37As that, unlike other variants, were recoverable, using a parachute system. Some of this batch were intended for low-altitude operation and fitted with a radar altimeter, and others were intended for high-altitude operation and had a barometric altimeter. The Army later ordered over 400 improved non-recoverable Model 1102 variants of the AQM-37A. The USAF evaluated the AQM-37 in the early 1970s but was slow to adopt it. Records of USAF procurement of the type are sketchy, but it does seem to be currently part of the Air Force target inventory. Small...

Iain Finer is an engineer, jack of all trades, and passionate rocketeer. He gained his licensed aircraft maintenance engineering license before heading to university to get a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering from the University of Canterbury. He now works his dream job in the aerospace industry, building rockets and rocket engines. Post navigation

Manufacturer: United Technology Designation: AQM-81A Nickname: Firebolt Type: Target dron Specifications (Boeing Minuteman II) Length: 17' Height: 2' 2" Diameter: 1' 1" Propulsion No. of Engines: 1 Powerplant: United Technology Chemical Systems Division Hybrid Rocket Motor Performance Endurance: Mach 3 for 5 minutes Max Speed: Mach 4.3 (Approximately 2,600 mph) Ceiling: 100,000' The AQM-81A Firebolt is an unmanned high-altitude, supersonic aerial target powered by a "hybrid" rocket motor using a liquid oxidizer catalyst and solid propellant. Designed to permit USAF fighter pilots the opportunity to experience engaging a realistic air target, the Firebolt’s unique motor allows the in-flight adjustment of thrust to alter the UAV’s speed and altitude effectively simulating a high-performance aircraft. Intended to be air-launched from a manned aircraft, the AQM-81A Firebolt is equipped with a Scalar Scoring System providing missile miss-distance information throughout a 150-foot sphere centered on the target. The vehicle contains a Mid-Air Retrieval System (MARS), a parachute recovery system and a floatation device to allow midair retrieval, land or water recovery. Designated the Teledyne Ryan Model 305 the AQM-81A Firebolt was deemed too expensive and was never operationally produced. This aircraft is on loan from the NMUSAF