Griffon Aerospace MQM-170 Outlaw
The Griffon Aerospace MQM-170 Outlaw was designed as a low-cost multipurpose UAV with an airframe with some low-observable characteristics. The UAV is compatible with current GPS-based autopilot systems, and is adaptable to a wide range of missions, sensors and payloads. It is currently used by the U.S. Army as an aerial target for air defense training purposes.
 |
| Photo: Griffon Aerospace |
| Outlaw (MQM-170A) |
The MQM-170A Outlaw UAV is powered by a two-stroke piston engine driving a pusher propeller. It is normally launched from a pneumatic catapult and recovered by a skid landing. However, it can optionally be fitted with a tricycle landing gear for conventional landings (the launcher can also accommodate landing gear eqipped Outlaws). The MQM-170A can be controlled manually, either via line-of-sight or by a BVR (Beyond Visual Range) control console, which can be used to control multiple aircraft in flight. Alternatively a preset flight path can be programmed using GPS waypoints. The UAV has a configurable automatic flight termination system, allowing the operator to define causes (e.g. loss of GPS, loss of radio link) and modes of ending the mission (glide to landing, stalled landing, deployment of a parachute system).
 |
 | |
| Photos: U.S. Army | ||
| MQM-170A | ||
The Outlaw has a maximum payload capacity of about 18 kg (40 lb). The payload of the MQM-170 for the aerial target mission includes an IR enhancer, MILES (Multiple Integrated Laser Engangement System), PGS (Precision Gunnery System) retro reflectors, a lighting kit for night-time operations, a smoke generator, and a doppler-radar based scoring system.
In the 2010/11 time frame, Griffon built a version called Outlaw Boomer. It had a new twin-boom tail, and was to be an interim step towards the development of the Outlaw ER (Extended Range). The designation MQM-170B was assigned to the Boomer variant, but apparently neither it nor the projected Outlaw ER were devloped into a production version.
 |
| Photo: Griffon Aerospace |
| MQM-170B |
In 2012, Griffon Aerospace first unveiled another significantly modified derivative, named Outlaw G2 (the original Outlaw was renamed Outlaw G1). It has a completely new airframe, with high wings and a T-tail. The new design offers slightly higher performance and doubles the maximum endurance. General modes of operation, incl. the use of a pneumatic launcher, are the same as for the original G1. Griffon is marketing the Outlaw G2 not only as an aerial target, but also as a surveillance UAV with various sensor payloads. The target version is currently in production for the U.S. Army as the MQM-170C.
 |
| Photo: Griffon Aerospace |
| MQM-170C |
Specifications
Note: Data given by several sources show slight variations. Figures given below may therefore be inaccurate!
Data for MQM-170A/C:
| MQM-170A | MQM-170C | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 2.70 m (8 ft 10 in) | |
| Wingspan | 4.15 m (13 ft 7 in) | 3.29 m (10.8 ft) |
| Weight | 54 kg (120 lb) | 68 kg (150 lb) |
| Speed | max: 193 km/h (120 mph) cruise: 95 km/h (59 mph) | max: 233 km/h (145 mph) cruise: 148 km/h (92 mph) |
| Ceiling | 4900 m (16000 ft) | |
| Endurance | standard: 1 h; max: 3-4 h | > 8 h |
| Propulsion | 3W Model 150i 2-cylinder 2-stroke piston engine; 12.6 kW (17 hp) | Desert Aircraft DA-150 2-cylinder 2-stroke piston engine; 11.8 kW (16 hp) |
Main Sources
[1] Griffon Aerospace Website (incl. older content from the Internet Archive)
[2] U.S. Army PEOSTRI: Overview of the
Targets Management Office, October 2012
Back to Current Designations Of U.S. Unmanned Military Aerospace Vehicles
Back to
Directory of U.S. Military Rockets and Missiles
Last Updated: 24 December 2024