QinetiQ wins US Army aerial target training contract worth up to $95 million
QinetiQ US will provide the MQM-185B as a training solution for the US Army. (Photo: QinetiQ)
The contract will see QinetiQ provide aerial target systems, including MQM-185Bs, to simulate aerial threats for the US Army.
QinetiQ US will provide the US Army with aerial target systems under an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract through the Aerial Target Systems 3 (ATS-3) requirement.
The contract from US Army Contracting Command is on behalf of the US Army, Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation, Threat Systems Management Office.
Under the contract, QinetiQ US will compete for task orders and provide a range of aerial target systems, including the MQM-185B (Banshee Jet 80+), to replicate aerial threats for US forces’ training and testing. The work could have a value of up to US$95 million.
The work by QinetiQ will include research and development of new target technologies, systems engineering for enhanced performance, integration of payloads for threat replication and software development to improve autonomous capabilities.
QinetiQ US will also deliver operational support, including flight operations and technical services to ensure system effectiveness and reliability during training and test events.
The MQM-185B has a twin 45kg thrust gas turbine engine that provides 90kg of static thrust. Using an auxiliary fuel tank ensures endurance similar to that of the single-engine version, the Banshee Jet 40. The platform has a typical launch speed of 45m/s and a speed range between 50 and 200m/s.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Air Warfare
-
![MBDA backs British startup to continue development on heavy-lift drone]()
MBDA backs British startup to continue development on heavy-lift drone
The investment will bring together the Hybrid Drones and MBDA to enable the former to further develop its Hydra 400 UAV, previously showcased by the British Army.
-
![Norway receives final F-35 aircraft and unveils first Joint Strike Missile delivery]()
Norway receives final F-35 aircraft and unveils first Joint Strike Missile delivery
Work has begun on stockpiling the Joint Strike Missile (JSM), following the first missile’s delivery from Kongsberg and the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency.
-
![US Air Force has big plans for the F-47]()
US Air Force has big plans for the F-47
The USAF Chief of Staff has claimed that the sixth-generation fighter would allow for guaranteeing “air superiority for generations to come”.
-
![India and France seal Rafale-M deal as plans for local assembly advance]()
India and France seal Rafale-M deal as plans for local assembly advance
Inter-governmental agreement signed as final assembly line plans inch closer.
-
![Just Released: New UAS Technology Report now available to read]()
Just Released: New UAS Technology Report now available to read
Autonomous advantage: Unlocking the potential of VTOL UAS in the battlefield resupply role
-
![Update: India’s Rafale-M deal postponed]()
Update: India’s Rafale-M deal postponed
New Delhi had been gearing up to sign a Navy Rafale deal as talks swirled around a potential assembly line in Nagpur.
