Northrop AQM-35

The Northrop AQM-35, first known as the Q-4, was an American supersonic target drone built by the Northrop Corporation for the United States Air Force. The programme began in 1953 as the Radioplane RP-61, and in June 1954 the Air Force contracted Northrop to develop it; the first flight-capable XQ-4 was launched in 1956. It was powered by a Westinghouse XJ81-WE-3 turbojet that took it to Mach 1.55, could be ground or air launched from a Lockheed DC-130 Hercules drone controller, followed by radar and commanded by radio telemetry, and came down on a three-stage parachute system cushioned by four inflatable airbags. It served as a target for surface-to-air and air-to-air missiles, with a secondary reconnaissance role planned. The Q-4B added a General Electric J85 engine and a stronger airframe, and in 1963 the family became the AQM-35A and AQM-35B. The type was never judged a full success, only 25 were built, and the last were retired during the 1960s.