QinetiQ Target Systems has signed an agreement to provide the US Army with a specially developed version of its Banshee Jet 80+ aerial target drone.
Dubbed the MQM-185B, the drone will serve as a hyper realistic threat target, bolstering the US Army’s training capabilities under the supervision of the Threat Systems Management Office (TSMO).
The vehicle’s features will integrate with the TSMO’s proprietary Army Ground Aerial Target Control System to deliver enhanced training for warfighters.
“Using highly accurate targets such as the Banshee is becoming a necessity for our defence customers,” QinetiQ Target Systems Customer Account Manager Ryan Peterson said.
“As the threat environment increases in complexity, organisations such as TSMO are seeking technology capable of delivering complex training and evaluation exercises.”
‘Customized Platform’
Banshee Jet 80+ drones are commonly deployed for exercises in more than 40 countries.
The aerial target can emulate different in-theater threats, such as cruise missiles and enemy fast combat aircraft.
Meanwhile, the MQM-185B iteration can perform low-level sea skimming operations and reach an altitude of 30,000 feet (9,144 meters).
“The MQM-185B, combined with QinetiQ’s engineering and operational flexibility, enables us to deliver a customised platform that satisfies TSMO requirements and makes its operations more agile and cost effective,” Peterson said.
“We’re delighted to be supporting the US Army as it strengthens its training and Test and Evaluation capabilities.”