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Lockheed MQM-105 Aquila
Photo: US Army · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain Use of this image does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD).
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LockheedMQM-105Aquila

Reconnaissance / Surveillance Drones · United States · 1979
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LockheedMQM-105Aquila

Lockheed MQM-105 Aquila
Lockheed MQM-105 Aquila Photo: US Army · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain Use of this image does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD).
* Absolute score — assessed within category · no era adjustment
Sensor Payload
40
Endurance
30
Operating Altitude
35
Range
30
Data-Link
45
Stealth / Survivability
50
Image Quality
35
Autonomy
25
Technology
50
Cost-Effectiveness
40
Origin United States
ManufacturerLockheed Corporation
CategoryReconnaissance / Surveillance Drones
EraCold War
In service1979
Operators5 countries
Quantity22
Data Quality87%
37
Reconnaissance / Surveillance Drones MASS Rating
23/28
Cold War
228/288
All-Time
Reconnaissance / Surveillance Drones · 10 axes scored
Sensor Payload
40
Endurance
30
Operating Altitude
35
Range
30
Data-Link
45
Stealth / Survivability
50
Image Quality
35
Autonomy
25
Technology
50
Cost-Effectiveness
40
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the reconnaissance / surveillance drones category.
01 / Overview
Lockheed MQM-105 Aquila
Prime contractor
Production
1979–
Quantity
22
Operators
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
RECONNAISSANCE / SURVEILLANCE DRONES · COLD WAR
23
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
55
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
—
37
reconnaissance / surveillance drones category
ⓘ Performance/Price and MASS score are computed across all units in the reconnaissance / surveillance drones category, regardless of era.
02 / Specs & Design
◎General4MOD.4
  • UAV Classbattlefield drone
  • Category (MALE/HALE/Tactical/Micro)Reconnaissance / Surveillance Drones
  • First Flight1983
  • Primary Roletarget designator
◈Airframe4MOD.4
▣Powerplant3MOD.3
  • Engine TypeVirgo M15 two-stroke piston engine
  • Number of Engines1
  • Propeller / Configurationpusher
◇Performance2MOD.2
  • Top Speed210 km/h
  • Service Ceiling4,511.04 m
◆Payload & Sensors2MOD.2
▤Control & Autonomy1MOD.1
  • Control Typeremote piloted via ground control station
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANRetired
  1. 1979Production started
47
years in service
22
units produced
0
countries operating
ⓘ 5 countries retired it.
04 / Operators
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE3terms
Electro-optical/infrared sensor combining daylight cameras and thermal imagers for real-time target detection, tracking, and identification in military drones.
A device that emits a laser beam to mark targets for precision-guided munitions, enabling accurate strikes by designating coordinates for laser-homing weapons.
Aircraft design and technology features that reduce detection by radar, infrared, acoustic, and other sensors through shaping, materials, and emissions control.
These terms are listed automatically because they appear on this page.full encyclopedia →
📚 Sources
📖 ENCYCLOPEDIA Browse the Reconnaissance / Surveillance Drones entry →