QinetiQ Target Systems provides new low-cost aerial target to US Army Threat Systems Management Office


LORTON, Va., May 17, 2023 - QinetiQ is to provide the US Army's Threat Systems Management Office (TSMO) with a uniquely developed version of its Banshee Jet 80+. Known as the MQM-185B, the target will help the US Army train for real-world scenarios by flying the hyper realistic threat targets.

The MQM-185B aerial target combines QinetiQ's innovative technology with the advanced options required by the TSMO to deliver a capability uniquely optimised for the US Army. As a result, the Banshee will be compatible with the TSMO's proprietary Army Ground Aerial Target Control System (AGATCS).

Flown in over 40 countries and used during exercises launched from the HMS Prince of Wales aircraft carrier, the Banshee Jet80+ provides the opportunity to run accurate drills by emulating cruise missiles and enemy fast jets which may be faced on mission. The MQM-185B has a maximum altitude of 30,000ft and can also perform low level sea skimming and terrain following, delivering a realistic adversary to train against. The use of the drone targets will be key to the US Army and their allies in improving their defence capabilities as the Banshee is able to emulate a wide variety of in-theatre threats.

Ryan Peterson, Customer Account Manager, QinetiQ Target Systems, said: "Using highly accurate targets such as the Banshee is becoming a necessity for our defence customers. As the threat environment increases in complexity, organisations such as TSMO are seeking technology capable of delivering complex training and evaluation exercises."

"The MQM-185B, combined with QinetiQ's engineering and operational flexibility, enables us to deliver a customized platform that satisfies TSMO requirements and makes its operations more agile and cost effective. We're delighted to be supporting the US Army as it strengthens its training and Test and Evaluation capabilities."

ENDS

About QinetiQ

QinetiQ is a global integrated defence and security company focused on mission-led innovation for defence, security and civil customers around the world. We are more than 8,000 people creating new ways of protecting what matters most; testing technologies, systems, and processes to make sure they work as expected; and enabling customers to deploy new and enhanced-existing capabilities with the assurance they will deliver the outcomes required.

About QinetiQ Target Systems

QinetiQ Target Systems is a world leader in the design, development, manufacture and operation of advanced target systems for live fire training exercises and weapons test and evaluation. Our comprehensive range of aerial, land and sea target systems provide realistic representation of modern threats from swarming fast inshore attack craft, to manoeuvrable supersonic missiles. Highly versatile in their design and performance and with a wide range of payloads, our target systems can be easily adapted to represent a multitude of different threat scenarios. Through intelligent engineering, recoverability and reuse, our target systems are also highly cost effective.

www.qinetiq.com/targetsystems

SOURCE QinetiQ