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Lockheed MQM-105 Aquila TADAR

1982 COLD WAR DRONE TECHNOLOGY

History

The MGM-105 Aquila (Eagle) TADAR (Target Acquisition, Designation and Aerial Reconnaissance) is the US Armys first attempt to secure a reusable unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capable of performing a range of mission types. The Aquila was originally a "Little R" developed by Lockheed Missile and Space Corporation in the 1970s. Army specifications call for low-cost, small systems capable of providing the U.S. Army with real-time aerial reconnaissance, target acquisition, artillery observation, and laser designation.

Unfortunately for Aquila, as well as the US Army and Lockheed itself, the MQM-105 became a bloated and expensive project that never lived up to expectations, forcing the entire development effort to stop.

By 1974, Lockheed and the U.S. Army had teamed up to develop a new UAV. In December 1975, the airworthy prototype XMQM-105A appeared. By August 1979, the U.S. Army was fully involved in the Aquila project, awarding a prototype-based contract with Lockheed.

A subsequent development model appeared in July 1982 as the YMQM-105A.

Aquila's design transforms the swept wings into a flat fuselage shape to accommodate the drone's payload and engines. The engine is a Herbrandson Dyad 280B two-stroke system, providing 24 hp to a propulsion propeller system in the rear of the fuselage. The onboard system includes a permanently installed daytime TV camera with an integrated automatic tracker. Also includes a laser pointer.

FLIR's night vision system was planned but never implemented. Communication is provided via data link and video downlink. The performance of the piston engine allows a top speed of 130 mph, a service ceiling of 14,800 feet, and a flight time of 3 hours.

The launch is via a truck-mounted catapult system, while the return transport is via a deployed net to catch oncoming Aquila on return. The net height is adjustable to protect the contours of the vehicle, and the Aquila is equipped with infrared sensors that automatically insert into the net.

Like this pioneering effort, the Aquila project encountered its own inherent flaws. Several Aquilas were lost or damaged in the crash, and the cost of the program seemed to skyrocket every month to keep up with changing mission parameters.

The MGM-105 program was officially cancelled in 1987 despite nearly $1 billion invested. About 376 Aquila will be built. Lockheed also considered an export version.