The US Army’s Threat Systems Management Office (TSMO) will receive a uniquely developed version of QinetiQ’s Banshee Jet 80+ target drone to aid the Army’s training for real-world scenarios.
These hyper realistic threat targets, known as MQM-185Bs, combine QinetiQ’s innovative technology with the advanced options required by the TSMO to deliver a capability uniquely optimized 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 Jet 80+ provides the opportunity to run accurate drills by emulating cruise missiles and enemy fast jets like those faced in real missions.
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.
According to the US Army, the use of the drone targets will be key to improving its defense capabilities, as well as that of its allies, as the Banshee is able to emulate a wide variety of in-theater threats.
“Using highly accurate targets such as the Banshee is becoming a necessity for our defense customers. As the threat environment increases in complexity, organizations such as TSMO are seeking technology capable of delivering complex training and evaluation exercises,” said Ryan Peterson, Customer Account Manager, QinetiQ Target Systems. “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.”
