The Stiletto project

Extract

The Stiletto is an air launched supersonic target developed for UK ranges. It is based on the American AQM 37A target which was designed and manufactured by Beech Aircraft.

The development programme has entailed a number of changes, both in equipment fit and control, on the target and the design and incorporation of a launching system into a Canberra aircraft. The programme has been a joint one between MoD as the customer and Shorts as co-ordinating design authority with collaboration from Beech and from the UK companies who developed and supplied the required equipment. The AQM 37A Target is purchased by Shorts from Beech, the necessary changes and additions made at Belfast and the resulting Stiletto target is delivered to RAE, Llanbedr. The development contract was placed late in 1966 and the first Stiletto was launched on programme on 1st August 1968.