Type Target drone In service 1969-1980s Weight 290 pounds (130 kg) | Place of origin United States Manufacturer Atlantic Research | |
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Used by United States Army, United States Navy | ||
The MQR-16A Gunrunner was an unguided rocket developed by Atlantic Research during the 1960s. Designed with low cost as a priority, the MQR-16A was intended to act as a target drone for use in the development of man-portable surface-to-air missiles, and as a training target for the missile operators. Proving successful, the rocket served in the United States military until the 1980s.
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Design and development
Developed in the late 1960s, the Gunrunner was designed as an inexpensive aerial target, unguided and flying on a ballistic path, for use by the United States Army and United States Navy during the development and testing of the FIM-43 Redeye man-portable surface-to-air missile.
The design and construction of the Gunrunner was kept as simple as possible, with the rocket's stabilizing fins using plywood in their construction, and the solid-fueled powerplant being that of the reliable and widely used High Velocity Aerial Rocket (HVAR). The nose of the rocket was equipped with an infrared enhancer to allow for all-aspect target acquisition by the missile that was engaging the target.
Operational history
Entering operational service in 1969, the Gunrunner was given the official designation of MQR-16A in 1971, and proved to be a success in service. Used for training soldiers in the operation of both the Redeye and the MIM-72 Chaparral SAMs, the missile was launched from a frame-type launcher that carried three missiles. Remaining in service until the mid-1980s, the Gunrunner was replaced in U.S. Army service by the MTR-15 BATS.