UAV · Aerial target drone
MQM-178 Firejet
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions · United States
Low-cost, high-subsonic aerial target drone built by Kratos to support surface-to-air and air-to-air weapons training and testing. Pneumatically launched and parachute-recovered.
| Country | United States |
|---|---|
| Subcategory | Target drones |
| Subtype | Aerial target drone |
| Role | Target |
| Class | Target |
| Classification | Aerial target drone |
| Mission | Aerial target / weapons training |
| Variants | MQM-178A |
| Notable partners | US Army, US Navy |
| Operators | United States |
| Frame type | Fixed-wing |
| Length (m) | 3.29 |
| Propulsion | Turbojet |
| Wingspan (m) | 1.98 |
| Combat-proven | No |
| Launch method | Mobile pneumatic launcher |
| Recovery method | Parachute |
| Year introduced | 2019 |
| Max payload (kg) | 32 |
| Max speed (km/h) | 845 |
| Production status | In production |
| Service ceiling (m) | 10670 |
| Airframe / lift type | Fixed-wing |
| Domain | Aerial (UAV/UAS) |
| Mission / use case – military | Armed UCAV, Training target |
| Origin / supply chain | Military-grade |
| Propulsion | Turbine / jet |
| Speed regime | High-speed / jet (>400 km/h) |
Review-stage catalogue data — specs corroborated from manufacturer and secondary sources; not for procurement decisions. Source: www.kratosdefense.com/unmanned-systems/air/aerial-targets/firejet