Griffon Aerospace MQM-170 Outlaw: Unmanned aerial target, designed for military training, surveillance, and target practice, lightweight and cost-effective.
In brief
The MQM-170 Outlaw is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developed by Griffon Aerospace. It is primarily used as a target drone for military training exercises but is also capable of supporting surveillance missions. The Outlaw has a wingspan of 4.27 meters (14 feet) and a length of 3.96 meters (13 feet). It is powered by a single two-stroke engine, enabling it to reach speeds of up to 138 km/h (86 mph) with a range of 111 km (69 miles). It is a low-cost solution designed to provide realistic aerial targets for weapon systems testing and operator training. It has been widely used by the U.S. military for over two decades.
The Griffon Aerospace MQM-170 Outlaw
The Griffon Aerospace MQM-170 Outlaw is a versatile unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) primarily designed as a low-cost target drone. Developed in response to the growing need for realistic aerial target systems, it also supports additional functions such as surveillance. The history of the Outlaw is closely tied to advances in military training and UAV technology in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The increasing use of UAVs during this period for both combat and training purposes necessitated new, affordable systems that could mimic potential threats in training scenarios, while also serving surveillance roles in lower-risk environments.
In the 1990s, advancements in aerial combat and the proliferation of UAVs drove the U.S. military to seek improved training methods that reflected modern combat scenarios. While sophisticated UAVs like the RQ-4 Global Hawk were being developed for reconnaissance and combat support, the military also required cost-effective, smaller UAVs for training, which led to the MQM-170 Outlaw’s creation.
Griffon Aerospace, known for its focus on UAV technologies, was awarded a contract to develop a UAV that could serve both as a target for surface-to-air missile systems and provide aerial surveillance. The MQM-170 Outlaw was first introduced in the early 2000s, with its maiden flight occurring in 2004. Its development aimed to provide a durable, low-maintenance UAV that could be used in a wide variety of military exercises. Unlike some other UAVs of the time, the Outlaw emphasized affordability and flexibility over high-end capabilities, making it particularly valuable for repetitive use in training missions. It was designed to operate under different conditions, providing a simulated combat environment to test weapon systems.
While the aircraft does not possess a NATO reporting name, its role within the U.S. military’s arsenal has been significant. The need for a reliable target drone became apparent as surface-to-air missile systems and anti-aircraft technologies became increasingly sophisticated. The Outlaw’s ability to serve as a realistic target enhanced training scenarios, providing troops with experience against systems that mirrored enemy UAVs. Over time, its role expanded to include reconnaissance and surveillance, particularly in lower-threat environments, making it an adaptable platform for a variety of military functions.
History of the Development of the Griffon Aerospace MQM-170 Outlaw
The development of the MQM-170 Outlaw was part of the U.S. military’s response to the rapid advances in aerial combat technology and the increasing use of UAVs during the late 20th century. By the 1990s, the U.S. armed forces were actively seeking more effective ways to train their personnel to counter a variety of aerial threats. The Gulf War and the conflicts in the Balkans had highlighted the importance of realistic training environments, where troops could be exposed to the kinds of threats they were likely to encounter in modern combat.
During this period, the U.S. military’s interest in UAVs was twofold: they were interested in both high-end UAVs capable of performing reconnaissance and strike missions, and more affordable UAVs that could be used in training scenarios. The MQM-170 Outlaw emerged as a response to the latter need. Griffon Aerospace, a company specializing in UAV technologies, was awarded the contract to develop a low-cost, versatile UAV that could function as a target drone for surface-to-air missile systems and anti-aircraft artillery. The objective was to create a platform that was durable, easy to operate, and cost-effective enough to be used in repeated training exercises.
Griffon Aerospace began the development of the MQM-170 Outlaw in the late 1990s, with a clear focus on providing a UAV that could operate under a wide variety of conditions. The Outlaw’s development was influenced by the increasing reliance on UAVs across different branches of the military, and the need for systems that could train personnel to engage these aerial platforms effectively. The first flight of the MQM-170 Outlaw took place in 2004, marking the beginning of its operational use.
The MQM-170’s role as a target drone was particularly important in training operators of surface-to-air missile systems. The military required UAVs that could simulate enemy drones and aircraft, providing realistic training environments for missile operators. The Outlaw’s relatively low cost, combined with its ability to replicate a variety of flight profiles, made it an ideal platform for this purpose. The UAV could fly at varying altitudes and speeds, mimicking the behavior of enemy drones, making it a valuable tool for testing both anti-aircraft systems and the personnel who operate them.
The Outlaw was not only a target drone but also capable of performing surveillance missions in low-risk environments. Its adaptability allowed it to be used for reconnaissance in areas where higher-end UAVs would not be cost-effective. This dual capability made the Outlaw a flexible asset for the military, offering both training and operational value.
Design of the Griffon Aerospace MQM-170 Outlaw
The design of the MQM-170 Outlaw focuses on simplicity, durability, and affordability. The UAV has a wingspan of 4.27 meters (14 feet) and a fuselage length of 3.96 meters (13 feet), making it compact and easy to transport. The entire airframe is constructed from lightweight composite materials, which provide durability while keeping the overall weight low. At a total weight of 56.7 kilograms (125 pounds), the Outlaw is light enough to be launched by a catapult system, eliminating the need for complex and expensive launching mechanisms.
One of the key features of the MQM-170’s design is its single two-stroke engine, which powers the UAV. The engine is designed to be simple and reliable, producing enough power to propel the Outlaw to a maximum speed of 138 km/h (86 mph). While this speed is modest compared to some high-end UAVs, it is sufficient for its role as a target drone. The engine is also relatively easy to maintain, which is crucial for a system intended for frequent use in training scenarios. The Outlaw’s engine allows it to reach a maximum altitude of 4,570 meters (15,000 feet), providing versatility in its operational use. It can fly for up to six hours on a single tank of fuel, with a range of 111 kilometers (69 miles).
One of the design considerations for the MQM-170 Outlaw was its ability to simulate a variety of flight profiles. The UAV is capable of both low-altitude and high-altitude flight, as well as varying its speed to replicate different types of aerial threats. This versatility makes it an effective tool for training personnel on how to engage UAVs under different conditions. However, the design also has some limitations. Its relatively slow speed and limited range mean that it is not suitable for high-threat environments, and its reliance on a two-stroke engine limits its operational capabilities compared to more advanced UAVs.
Another important aspect of the MQM-170’s design is its ease of operation. The UAV is controlled via a ground control station, which provides operators with real-time data on the UAV’s position, speed, and altitude. The control station is designed to be user-friendly, allowing operators to quickly learn how to operate the system effectively. The Outlaw is also equipped with a GPS system, which allows it to be flown on pre-programmed flight paths, further simplifying its operation.
Performance of the Griffon Aerospace MQM-170 Outlaw
The performance characteristics of the MQM-170 Outlaw are designed to balance affordability with operational capability. The UAV is powered by a two-stroke engine, which provides it with a maximum speed of 138 km/h (86 mph). While this speed is lower than that of more advanced UAVs, it is adequate for its primary role as a target drone. The Outlaw’s engine generates enough power to allow it to reach a maximum altitude of 4,570 meters (15,000 feet), providing flexibility in terms of the altitude at which it can operate. This is an important feature for a target drone, as it allows it to simulate a variety of aerial threats, from low-flying drones to high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft.
In terms of range, the MQM-170 can fly for up to six hours on a single tank of fuel, giving it an operational range of 111 kilometers (69 miles). This range is sufficient for most training missions, where the UAV is typically launched from a nearby base and does not need to travel long distances. However, the relatively short range and endurance of the Outlaw limit its use in more complex missions that require longer flight times or extended ranges.
When compared to other UAVs in its class, the MQM-170 Outlaw’s performance is modest but effective for its intended role. For example, the Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk, a high-end reconnaissance UAV, has a range of 22,780 kilometers (14,155 miles) and can fly at altitudes of up to 18,288 meters (60,000 feet). However, the Global Hawk is also significantly more expensive and is designed for a completely different role. In contrast, the MQM-170 is designed to be a cost-effective solution for training purposes, where its performance characteristics are more than adequate.
The Outlaw’s performance is also enhanced by its ability to fly pre-programmed flight paths using its onboard GPS system. This allows the UAV to simulate realistic flight profiles, including evasive maneuvers and varying altitudes, which are essential for training personnel on how to engage aerial threats. The UAV’s relatively low speed also makes it easier for surface-to-air missile systems to lock onto, providing a more forgiving target for training exercises.
While the MQM-170 is not the most powerful UAV on the market, its design and performance make it a valuable asset for military training. Its combination of affordability, ease of use, and versatility allows it to fulfill a critical role in preparing personnel to engage modern aerial threats.
Variants of the Griffon Aerospace MQM-170 Outlaw
The MQM-170 Outlaw has several variants that have been developed to meet different operational requirements. The most common variant is the baseline MQM-170, which is primarily used as a target drone. This version is equipped with the standard two-stroke engine and GPS system, allowing it to perform a variety of flight profiles.
Another variant of the Outlaw is the MQM-170A, which has been modified to carry additional payloads for surveillance missions. This variant includes a small camera system that allows it to perform basic reconnaissance in low-threat environments. While it is not as advanced as dedicated reconnaissance UAVs, the MQM-170A provides a cost-effective solution for missions that do not require high-end surveillance capabilities.
Finally, the MQM-170B is a variant designed specifically for testing electronic warfare systems. This version is equipped with additional antennas and sensors that allow it to simulate electronic threats, making it an ideal platform for testing radar systems and electronic warfare countermeasures.
Military Use and Combat of the Griffon Aerospace MQM-170 Outlaw
The primary role of the MQM-170 Outlaw within the military is as a target drone for training personnel on how to engage aerial threats. The UAV is used in a variety of training exercises, where it simulates enemy drones and aircraft. Its relatively low cost and ease of use make it an ideal platform for this purpose, as it can be launched repeatedly without incurring significant operational costs.
One of the main advantages of using the MQM-170 as a target drone is its ability to simulate a variety of flight profiles. The UAV can fly at different altitudes and speeds, replicating the behavior of enemy drones and aircraft. This versatility allows surface-to-air missile systems and anti-aircraft artillery to be tested under realistic conditions, providing valuable training for personnel.
In terms of combat use, the MQM-170 has not been deployed in active combat situations, as its primary role is that of a target drone. However, it has been used extensively in military training exercises, where it has proven to be a valuable tool for preparing personnel to engage UAVs and other aerial threats.
The Outlaw is commonly used in conjunction with surface-to-air missile systems such as the Patriot missile system, where it serves as a simulated target for live-fire exercises. In these scenarios, the UAV is flown in a pre-programmed flight path that mimics the behavior of enemy aircraft, allowing missile operators to practice tracking and engaging the target.
While the MQM-170 does not carry any armament, its role as a target drone is critical in ensuring that missile systems and anti-aircraft artillery are properly calibrated and that personnel are well-trained in their operation. The UAV’s ability to replicate a variety of aerial threats makes it an indispensable part of military training exercises.
The MQM-170 has also been sold to several allied nations for use in their military training programs. These countries have used the UAV in much the same way as the U.S. military, deploying it as a target drone in surface-to-air missile system training exercises.
As of today, the MQM-170 Outlaw remains in active service with the U.S. military, where it continues to play a key role in training personnel to engage modern aerial threats. It has not been replaced by any newer UAVs, as its affordability and versatility continue to make it a valuable asset for military training.
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