BQM-167A is a subscale, unmanned aerial target and threat simulator serving missile/weapons development, testing, validation, and training over the Eglin Test and Training Range. The 82nd Aerial Targets Squadron employs the cheaper subscale targets to complement its QF-16 full scale aerial target fleet operating from Tyndall.
The BQM-167 is boosted to flying speed from a launch rail via a solid-fuel Rocket-Assisted Take Off (RATO) motor that is then jettisoned. BQM-167 can represent air targets maneuvering at up to 9 Gs at speeds up to Mach 0.91 and altitudes between 50 and 50,000 feet. The drone is constructed of durable, lightweight composites, equipped with a recovery parachute, and depending on its condition capable of being refurbished and reused. BQM-167s incorporate a scoring system and a range of threat-simulating systems/stores, including IFF, EA pods, IR/radar countermeasures as well as IR/radar signature augmentation to simulate a variety of threats.
The Air Force competitively awarded the first BQM-167 production contract in 2002 and awarded a $338 million contract for Lot 17 through 21 in 2021. USAF exercised an option for 60 targets with Gas, Aero, Payload, and Power (GAPP) updates to better replicate advanced threats in September 2024. FY26 funds support production of 20 subscale targets as well as rocket assisted takeoff boosters.
BQM-167 Subscale Aerial Target Technical Data
Contractor: Kratos Unmanned Aerial Systems.
First Flight: Dec. 8, 2004.
Delivered: 2004-present.
IOC: 2008.
Production: 800+ (planned).
Inventory: Approx. 37.
Operator: ACC.
Aircraft Location: Tyndall AFB, Fla.
Active Variant: •BQM-167A. Subscale aerial target.
Dimensions: Span 10.5 ft, length 20 ft, height 4 ft.
Weight: Max T-O 2,050 lb.
Power Plant: MicroTurbo (Safran) Tri 60-5 turbofan, 1,000 lb thrust.
Performance: Speed Mach 0.91, range unknown.
Ceiling: 50,000 ft.
Defensive Systems: Chaff/flares, EA pods, IR/RF wing pods (augmentation).
Accommodation: Preprogrammed, unmanned.