Griffon Aerospace MQM-170 Outlaw
The Griffon Aerospace MQM-170A 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.
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| Photo: Griffon Aerospace |
| Outlaw (MQM-170A) |
The 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).
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| 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.
Specifications
Note: Data given by several sources show slight variations. Figures given below may therefore be inaccurate!
Data for MQM-170A:
| Length | 2.70 m (8 ft 10 in) |
| Wingspan | 4.15 m (13 ft 7 in) |
| Weight | 54 kg (120 lb) |
| Speed | max: 193 km/h (120 mph); cruise: 95 km/h (59 mph) |
| Ceiling | 4900 m (16000 ft) |
| Endurance | standard: 1 h; max: 3-4 h |
| Propulsion | 3W Model 150i two-cylinder two-stroke piston engine; 12.6 kW (17 hp) |
Main Sources
[1] Griffon Aerospace Website
[2] Outlaw RPVT Website
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Last Updated: 14 July 2008