AQM-37C MISSILE TARGET
The AQM-37C missile target (fig. 8-8) is a realistic
simulation of offensive missile and aircraft threats. It is
used to conduct weapons systems evaluation,
operationally train air-to-air missile crews, and exercise
missile weapons systems. The AQM-37C missile target
is an expendable, rocket-powered missile target
capable of flying at various altitudes and cruise speeds.
The target is designed for straight-and-level flight at
selectable speeds from Mach 0.7 to Mach 4.0 at cruise
altitudes of 1,000 to 100,000 feet, with a maximum
range of approximately 155 nautical miles.
The AQM-37C is an air-launched target. It is
launched from both carrier- and land-based aircraft.
The launcher carries the target as an external store. The
target's mission profile is determined by launch
altitude, speed, and heading. This profile has controlled
rocket engine thrust, cruise altitudes, and flight time
parameters preset by ground crew personnel before
flight.
The target is equipped with a gyro-referenced
autopilot, radar augmentation, infrared augmentation,
antennas, and an aerodynamic destruct system for flight
termination. It is powered by the LR-64 liquid
propellant rocket engine, which is a self-contained
propulsion system. The maximum weight of the target,
including radar augmentation, IR flares, and scorer, is
559 pounds.
Scoring System
The AQM-37C missile target contains the antennas
and
necessary
interconnecting
cables
for
the
installation
of
the
AN/DRQ-4
transponder.
The
primary purpose of the transponder is to receive a
frequency-modulated signal from the missile, convert
the signal to a new center frequency-modulated signal,
and transmit the new signal to the miss-distance
measuring system ground station.
The ground station receiver compares the shifted
frequency of the target signal with the reference
frequency of the strike missile signal. The outputs from
the ground station accurately measure the miss distance
between the target and the missile. The transponder is
installed only in a target that is used for a surface-to-air
missile with a telemetering head. The transponder is not
8-7
Figure 8-8.—AQM-37C missile target.
