The BQM/MQM-74 “Chukar” is a series of aerial target drones produced by Northrop. It is a recoverable, remote controlled, subsonic aerial target drone, capable of speeds up to Mach 0.86 and altitudes from 30 feet to 40,000 feet. It was introduced in 1968 and many are still in service. It is normally launched from a four-engine DC-130 aircraft, but can also be launched from strike fighters such as the F-15 and F-16, as well as from ships.

In the 1991 Gulf War, BQM-74Cs were used as decoys during the initial air attacks into Iraq. When Iraqi air defense radar sites began tracking them, allied strike fighters were then able to launch anti-radiation missiles to destroy the sites. The U.S. Air Force was put in charge of this multi-service decoy effort, which was code-named “Project Scathe Mean.”

The example on display is an MQM-74A from the Israeli Air Force. It is displayed in its carrying cradle, which can be stacked up to three deep. The drone can be assembled and made ready for flight in a matter of minutes.