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Drone. Year: 1958. IOC: 1958. Country: USA. Department of Defence Designation: MQM-61A. Manufacturer's Designation: Model 1025. Popular Name: Cardinal. Historical Essay © Andreas Parsch Beech MQM-61 Cardinal The Beech Model 1025 Cardinal was the U.S. Army variant of the U.S. Navy's KDB/MQM-39 target drone (q.v. for further details). The Cardinal was almost identical to the MQM-39, and was used by the Army from 1958 for surface-to-air anti-aircraft missile and gunnery training. Beech also designed a turbojet-powered version, known as Model 1025-TJ, but this was not adopted by the Army. In June 1963, the Cardinal was designated as MQM-61A. When production ended in 1972, more than 1300 Cardinals had been built for the Army. SpecificationsNote: Data given by several sources show slight variations. Figures given below may therefore be inaccurate! Data for MQM-61A: | Length | 4.60 m (15 ft 1 in) | | Wingspan | 3.95 m (12 ft 11.5 in) | | Height | 1.02 m (3 ft 4 in) | | Diameter | 45 cm (17.75 in) | | Weight | 301 kg (664 lb) | | Speed | 560 km/h (350 mph) | | Ceiling | 13100 m (43000 ft) | | Endurance | > 60 min. | | Range | > 500 km (300 miles) | | Propulsion | McCulloch TC6150-J-2 flat-six turbocharged piston engine; 93 kW (125 hp) |
Main Sources[1] R.T. Pretty, D.H.R. Archer (eds.): "Jane's Weapon Systems 1970-71", McGraw-Hill, 1970
[2] Kenneth Munson: "World Unmanned Aircraft", Jane's, 1988
Manufacturer: Beechcraft. Liftoff Thrust: 558 N (125 lbf). Total Mass: 301 kg (663 lb). Core Diameter: 0.46 m (1.50 ft). Total Length: 4.60 m (15.00 ft). Span: 3.69 m (12.10 ft). Maximum range: 480 km (290 mi). Boost Propulsion: Solid rocket. Cruise Propulsion: Reciprocating engine. Guidance: Command Link. Maximum speed: 650 kph (400 mph). Ceiling: 13,100 m (42,900 ft).
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