Boeing CQM-121 Pave Tiger

The CQM-121 program began in 1983, with Boeing being awarded a contract for the development of a small drone aircraft that was intended for the suppression of enemy air defenses.[1] The resulting YCQM-121A, given the code name "Pave Tiger", was a tailless aircraft powered by a two-stroke engine.[2] The drones were to be fitted in 15-cell containers with wings folded; the sides of the container would open to allow for launch on a rail using a solid-fuel rocket booster. The aircraft would then follow a pre-programmed route, and could either use electronic countermeasures to suppress air defense systems, or use a small warhead to directly destroy them.[3]

Flight testing of the 13 YCQM-121A aircraft began in 1983, however the following year the project was terminated.[3] The aircraft was resurrected in 1987, however, as an alternative to the AGM-136 Tacit Rainbow anti-radar missile; the anti-radar version, designated YCGM-121B and codenamed "Seek Spinner", first flew in 1988.[4] It was equipped with a warhead for the destruction of enemy radars, and could loiter while awaiting detection of an enemy radar set.[3] The program was terminated in 1989.[5]

Also in 1987, the U.S. Air Force ordered an electronic countermeasure version of the aircraft, given the designation YCEM-138A Pave Cricket. Equipped with an AN/ALQ-176 jammer, the program was also cancelled in 1989.[6]

YCQM-121A Pave Tiger

Original radar jamming variant; 13 built.

YCGM-121B Seek Spinner

Loitering anti-radar missile variant.

YCEM-138A Pave Cricket

Electronic countermeasures version of YCGM-121B.

Data from Parsch 2002[3]

General characteristics

• Crew: None
• Length: 6 ft 11.4 in (2.118 m)
• Wingspan: 8 ft 5 in (2.57 m)
• Height: 2 ft (0.61 m)
• Gross weight: 280 lb (127 kg) w/out booster
• Powerplant: 1 × Cuyuna Eagle 26.7 cu in (438 cc) two-stroke piston engine, 28 hp (21 kW)
• Powerplant: 1 × Solid rocket booster

Performance

• Maximum speed: 200 mph (320 km/h, 170 kn)
• Cruise speed: 90 mph (140 km/h, 78 kn)
• Range: 500 mi (800 km, 430 nmi)
• Endurance: 8 hours
• Service ceiling: 10,000 ft (3,000 m)

Armament

• Optional high-explosive warhead