Development and Specifications
The BQM-34E/F Firebee II is a target drone developed by the American company Teledyne Ryan Aeronautical. In the mid-1960s, the US Air Force and Navy sought a new high-speed target drone for training fighter pilots and air defense system operators. This drone was based on the successful subsonic Firebee UAV platform.
The BQM-34F Firebee II was equipped with a Continental YJ69-406 turbojet engine, generating 870 kgf of thrust. This powerful engine allowed it to achieve speeds up to Mach 1.5. By 1974, 99 units of this advanced UAV were manufactured and subsequently entered service with the US Air Force.
Operational Use and Capabilities
Launch of the BQM-34F Firebee II could be accomplished in two ways: via a rocket booster from a ground launcher, or by being air-dropped from a DC-130 aircraft. A single DC-130 was capable of carrying up to four such drones, enabling efficient deployment during training exercises.
For retrieving spent BQM-34F drones, the Mid-Air Retrieval System (MARS) was employed. Drones were then lifted by a specially equipped helicopter from altitudes of up to 24 meters. If the drone landed on water, it was designed to float on the surface for several hours, aiding in its recovery.
Advanced Target Simulation
The target’s sophisticated electronic equipment allowed it to simulate various radar signatures, providing realistic training scenarios for combat pilots and ground crews. The BQM-34F Firebee II was capable of flying at altitudes as low as 15 meters and could operate over a range of up to 322 kilometers, replicating diverse threat profiles effectively.
Technical Specifications
| Modification | BQM-34F |
| Wingspan, m | 2.94 |
| Length, m | 8.88 |
| Height, m | 1.69 |
| Mass, kg | 1116 |
| Engine type | 1 Continental YJ69-406 Turbojet |
| Thrust, kgf | 1 x 870 |
| Maximum speed, M | 1.5 |
| Practical range, km | 322 |
| Flight duration, min | 73 |
| Minimum flight altitude, m | 15 |
Image and diagram gallery of the BQM-34E/F Firebee II
 BQM-34E/F Firebee II |
 BQM-34E/F Firebee II |
 BQM-34E/F Firebee II |
 BQM-34E/F Firebee II |
 BQM-34E/F Firebee II |
 BQM-34E/F Firebee II |
 BQM-34E/F Firebee II |