Falconer Credit - via Andreas Parsch

Historical Essay © Andreas Parsch

Northrop (Radioplane) SD-1/MQM-57 Falconer

In 1955, Radioplane developed the Model RP-71 Falconer as a derivative of the OQ-19/MQM-33 series of target drones. The drone was launched by a solid rocket booster from a zero-length launcher, and was recovered by parachute. The RP-71 had onboard still picture (and optional TV) cameras, and was used by the U.S. Army as the surveillance drone of the AN/USD-1 system. The drone itself was either known as AN/USD-1 (although this was really the designation of the whole drone surveillance system, including ground equiopment) or as SD-1 (as an abbreviation of AN/USD-1, with SD conveniently being interpreted as "Surveillance Drone"). Series production of the SD-1 for the U.S. Army started in 1959.

Equipment of the SD-1 included a KS-54 or KS-61 camera system (including a KA-39A or KA-30 still picture camera, respectively), flare ejectors, and an AN/DPN-32 (later AN/DPN-62(V)) radar beacon. The SD-1 was tracked on the ground using the AN/MPQ-29 radar system. There were two different models of the SD-1 (one for the AN/USD-1A system, and one for the AN/USD-1B), which differed slightly in the electronic guidance equipment. The AN/USD-1A drone used an R-943/USD-1A receiver, while the AN/USD-1B had an R-1220/USD-1B receiver and a KY-500/USD-1B decoder.

In June 1963, the RP-71 drones of the AN/USD-1A and AN/USD-1B surveillance systems were designated as MQM-57A and MQM-57B, respectively. The MQM-57 remained in service until the mid-1970s, and a total of about 1500 MQM-57s of all versions were built by Northrop Ventura (formerly Radioplane).

Note: Data given by several sources show slight variations. Figures given below may therefore be inaccurate!

Data for MQM-57A/B:

[1] Frederick I. Ordway III, Ronald C. Wakeford: "International Missile and Spacecraft Guide", McGraw-Hill, 1960
[2] Kenneth Munson: "World Unmanned Aircraft", Jane's, 1988
[3] R.T. Pretty, D.H.R. Archer (eds.): "Jane's Weapon Systems 1972-73", Jane's, 1973

Manufacturer: Northrop. Maximum range: 160 km (90 mi). Boost Propulsion: Solid rocket. Cruise Propulsion: Reciprocating engine. Guidance: Autopilot. Maximum speed: 360 kph (220 mph). Ceiling: 7,800 m (25,500 ft).