BQM-167 Skeeter Aerial Target - Scale Model

BQM-167 Skeeter Aerial Target - Scale Model

This is a detailed scale model of the US Air Force's high-performance subscale aerial target, the BQM-167A Skeeter. 

This design represents the airframe primarily used for weapons testing and combat training. This model is scaled for display and is designed as a multi-part kit for detailed printing and assembly, making it a fantastic addition to any modern military or aviation enthusiast's collection.

Background Information

The BQM-167 Skeeter is a high-performance, remotely piloted subscale aerial target system developed and manufactured by Kratos Defense & Security Solutions (formerly Composite Engineering Inc.). It was designed to meet the United States Air Force (USAF) requirement to simulate high-performance threats during live-fire training exercises, such as cruise missiles and enemy aircraft. It is intended to replace the older MQM-107 Streaker.

Development Highlights

• Program Start: Selected by the USAF in July 2002 as the next-generation subscale aerial target.

• First Flight: The prototype first flew in 2004.

• Performance: Capable of speeds up to Mach 0.92 and altitudes ranging from 50 feet to 50,000 feet.

• Service Entry: Reached Initial Operational Capability (IOC) with the USAF in 2008.

• Design: Built from carbon fiber and epoxy materials, designed to be recoverable via parachute from land or water.

Key Variants

The BQM-167 platform serves domestic and international roles:

• BQM-167A: The primary variant operated by the US Air Force. It can carry various internal and external payloads, including scoring systems, IR tow targets, and electronic countermeasures.

• BQM-167i: An export version designated for international customers, offering similar performance characteristics for allied nations' defense training.

Model Design & Assembly Notes

This design is a static display model of the BQM-167 Skeeter, broken down into multiple parts for detailed assembly and color separation. Please refer to the slicer plate layout for guidance.

Multi-Part Assembly

The model is provided as a kit and is assembled from the following main components (organized by print plate):

• Body-FWD: The forward fuselage section, which includes the main wings.

• Body-Aft: The rear fuselage section, including the tail assembly.

• Basic Accessories: Contains the smaller detail parts.

• Body-FWD (Antenna Fixed): An alternate version of the forward body with the dorsal antenna pre-attached for easier printing if preferred.

Assembly: The fuselage is split into Forward and Aft sections. Accessories such as the Intake and engine slide and glue into their respective slots. 

Important Alignment Note: Many parts have a specific alignment. Please be careful with the check before applying glue to verify the correct installation direction. This ensures that all components sit completely flush with the surface for a seamless finish.

Recommendation: Use CA glue for permanent bonding of the fuselage and accessories.

Disclaimer

This model is a personal hobby project based entirely on publicly available imagery and general information; no proprietary, sensitive, or classified technical data was used in its creation. It is not affiliated with, nor endorsed by, any defense organization, manufacturer, or the creator's professional or academic work. This is a static, non-functional scale model intended for display and educational purposes only. It is not a weapon and cannot be made to function as one.

Disclaimer

This model is a personal hobby project based entirely on publicly available imagery and general information; no proprietary, sensitive, or classified technical data was used in its creation. It is not affiliated with, nor endorsed by, any defense organization, manufacturer, or the creator's professional or academic work. This is a static, non-functional scale model intended solely for display and educational purposes. It is not a weapon and cannot be made to function as one.