As threat vehicles developed the capability to fly higher and faster than the speed of sound, it became necessary to provide supersonic targets for the testing of U.S. missiles. This air-launched target was developed by the Air Force to provide the realistic testing scenario to fully prove new missile systems. Propelled by a single J85-5 jet engine, it whizzed ahead of the mother plane at controlled speeds up to Mach 1. The supersonic, high-altitude XQ-4 Model A was produced by the Radioplane Division of the Northrop Corporation and was used as an aerial target for air-to-air and ground-to-air defensive systems.
U.S. Air Force
Dimensions
Length: 33 feet
Wingspan: 11 feet
Weight: 2,300 pounds
Propellant: Liquid
Ceiling: 70,000 feet
Velocity: Mach 2
First Firing: 1956