CQM-121 Pave Tiger

The CQM-121 Pave Tiger was a Boeing‑produced tactical target drone developed in the early 1980s to support United States Army and Air Force training missions. Originating from the earlier MQM‑107 and MQM‑105 programs, the Pave Tiger entered service in 1984 as a high‑speed, low‑observable platform capable of simulating enemy cruise missiles and aircraft during live‑fire exercises. Powered by a compact turbojet engine, the unmanned vehicle could reach speeds of up to Mach 0.9 and operate at altitudes ranging from 500 feet to 40,000 feet, providing realistic threat profiles for surface‑to‑air and air‑to‑air weapon systems. Its modular avionics suite allowed the integration of radar, infrared, and electronic counter‑measure payloads, while a datalink‑guided autopilot gave operators precise trajectory control and real‑time telemetry. The CQM-121’s rugged airframe and launch system—typically a pneumatic catapult from a ground vehicle—enabled rapid deployment in austere environments. Though retired from active service in 1998, the Pave Tiger set a benchmark for survivable target drones, influencing subsequent designs such as the MQ‑9 Reaper’s predecessor and reinforcing Boeing’s reputation as a pioneer in unmanned aerial technology. Its legacy endures in modern training curricula, where realistic threat emulation remains essential for combat readiness.

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