E-Systems XQM-93A (L450F)

The E-Systems XQM-93A aircraft is part of the US Air Force’s early 1970s “Compass Dwell” program evaluating the possibility of high-altitude Unmanned Autonomous Vehicles (UAV) for use in the Vietnam War. As one of the competitors for “Compass Dwell,” LTV (later E-Systems) introduced its piloted L450F. The next prototype, the E-Systems ZQM-93A, could be piloted or unmanned. Unfortunately, the goal of cutting off supplies on the Ho Chi Minh Trail with unmanned eyes in the sky never materialized when the “Compass Dwell” program ended.

Did you know?

The longest flight of the XQM-93A lasted more than 21 hours.

This military research followed the 1960’s HALE (high altitude, long endurance) vehicle studies.

About our Aircraft

Our E-Systems XQM-93A has a pilot’s bubble canopy rather than the unmanned version with a flush fuselage. It is on loan from the National Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola, Florida.
XQM-93A - Unmanned
Image Credit: US Air Force
XQM - Underneath
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XQM-93A - Side
Image Credit: Thomas H. Tessier, Used with Permission, 2020