MQR-13 BMTS

The XMQR-13A Ballistic Missile Target System (BMTS) was an unguided target rocket developed by the United States Army during the 1960s, intended for use in the development of missile defense systems. Utilising off-the-shelf parts in four different configurations, the BMTS was utilised in a series of launches in the late 1960s supporting tests of several missile systems.

MQR-13 BMTS
TypeTarget drone
Place of originUnited States
Service history
In service1966–1968
Used byUnited States Army
Production history
ManufacturerU.S. Army Missile Command
Specifications (Configuration I, Version I)
Mass1,650 pounds (750 kg)
Length25.9 ft (7.89 m)
Diameter16.5 inches (420 mm)
Wingspan5.1 ft (1.54 m)
Engine1st stage, Allegheny M5; 55,000 lbf (246 kN)
2nd stage, Thiokol TE 307; 4,700 lbf (21.1 kN)
PropellantSolid fuel
Operational
range
202 mi (325 km)
Flight ceiling81 mi (130 km)
Maximum speed 6,000 feet per second (1,800 m/s)

Design and development

Developed by the U.S. Army Missile Command (USAMICOM), the Ballistic Missile Target System, or BMTS, was intended as a ballistic target rocket, utilising as many parts from existing missiles as possible, to be used in the development and evaluation of defense systems against ballistic missile attack.[1]

Given the designation XMQR-13A in 1967, the BMTS could be launched in four different configurations. Configuration 1 used the booster from a Nike Ajax surface-to-air missile, with either an Apache (Version 1), Cajun (version 2), or inert Cajun (version 3) upper stage. Configuration 2 omitted the upper stage. All four variations fitted a radar enhancer in the nose cone to assist in target acquisition by the targeting missile.[1]

Operational history

The XMQR-13A was used in a series of test firings between 1966 and 1968, primarily from the White Sands Missile Range,[1] and using a modified Terrier portable launcher.[2] The test launches supported a variety of antimissile development programs,[3] including that of the HAWK,[4] and was intended for use in the development of SAM-D.[5]

The Nike-Apache and Nike-Cajun rocket configurations were also use extensively as sounding rockets for experimental missions conducted by NASA.[6][7]

See also

References

Notes
  1. Parsch 2002
  2. AIAA 1969, p.159.
  3. Goebel 2010
  4. DMS 1978, p. 50.
  5. United States Congress House Committee on Armed Services Hearings, 1968, p.9226.
  6. Parsch 2004
  7. Parsch 2002b

Bibliography
  • Goebel, Greg (2010). "Modern US Target Drones". Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. vectorsite.net. Retrieved 2011-01-05.
  • Parsch, Andreas (2002). "USAMICOM MQR-13 BMTS". Directory of U.S. Military Rockets and Missiles. designation-systems.net. Retrieved 2011-01-06.
  • Parsch, Andreas (2002b). "PWN-3". Directory of U.S. Military Rockets and Missiles. designation-systems.net. Retrieved 2011-01-06.
  • Parsch, Andreas (2004). "Nike-Apache". Directory of U.S. Military Rockets and Missiles. designation-systems.net. Retrieved 2011-01-06.
  • The Aerospace Year Book. Arlington, VA: Aerospace Industries Association of America. 1969. ASIN B000E39S6K.
  • Code Name Handbook: Aerospace, Defense, Technology (Seventh ed.). Defense Marketing Services. 1978.
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