In today's article we want to talk about Northrop AQM-35, a topic that has sparked great interest in society in recent times. Northrop AQM-35 is an issue that has impacted people of all ages, genders and socioeconomic levels, generating different opinions and debates around its importance and repercussions. In this article we will analyze the most relevant aspects of Northrop AQM-35, from its origins to its current situation, with the aim of providing a broad and complete vision of this topic that has captured the attention of so many people around the world.
Q-4 / AQM-35 | |
---|---|
XQ-4 | |
Role | Target drone |
National origin | United States |
Manufacturer | Northrop Corporation |
First flight | January 1956 |
Retired | mid 1960s |
Primary user | United States Air Force |
Number built | 25 |
The AQM-35 was a supersonic target drone produced by the Northrop Corporation.
The AQM-35 program began life in 1953 as the Model RP-61 supersonic target drone. In June 1954 the United States Air Force awarded Northrop a contract for development of the project as the Q-4; the first flight-capable XQ-4 was launched in 1956.
The XQ-4 was capable of either ground or air launch, though the former mode was never tested. It was powered by a Westinghouse XJ81-WE-3 turbojet, allowing it to reach speeds of Mach 1.55. The drone's course was followed with radar, and flight commands were sent by a radio telemetry system. When the mission was completed the XQ-4 would deploy a three-stage parachute system along with four large inflatable airbags to cushion the impact with the ground.
The Air Force planned to use the Q-4 as a target for various surface-to-air and air-to-air missiles. A secondary reconnaissance function was planned, with TV or cameras carried. The drone was air-launched by a Lockheed DC-130 Hercules drone controller aircraft, or other carrier aircraft.
In 1963, the Q-4 family of drones were given the designation AQM-35A and AQM-35B. They were never considered entirely successful, with a variety of problems arising during both the development and flight testing phases. It was also considered that the flight performance of the drone was so high that it was not a realistic test for the missiles being developed––ironic since the whole point of the project was to develop a supersonic target. Only 25 of all types were ever built. The last examples of the type were retired during the 1960s.
General characteristics
Performance