Boeing 121B Robotic Air Vehicle

The BRAVE 200 was designed and built by Boeing Military Airplane company in the early 1980s and received the mlitary designation YCGM-121B. It is an unmanned aerial vehicle designed to seek out and attack the radars that control enemy anti-aircraft artillery or surface-to-air missile defenses. (Some radar antennas rotate or spin, hence the name “Seek Spinner.”) It is launched from the ground with rocket assistance. Using instructions programmed into its computer, the YCGM-121B flies to a designated target where it loiters or circles until its sensors detect the enemy radar signal. The vehicle then follows the radar beam to its source and detonates its warhead, damaging or destroying the radar site.

The Seek Spinner underwent testing for a number of years with promising results. However, it never became operational. The last flight took place in late 1989. The program was then cancelled due to cost and the availability of alternative systems.

WR-ALC provided system management responsibilities for the program during its demonstration period. The surviving example was presented to the Museum in November 1990 for display by Boeing.

SPECIFICATIONS           
Serial # : 
Wingspan: 
8 feet
Cost: 
$100,000
Length: 
7 feet
Max. Speed: 
200 mph (Loiter Speed: 145 mph)
Height: 
2 feet
Range: 
approximately 300 miles
Weight: 
450 lbs. loaded
Service Ceiling: 
10,000 feet
Engine: 
Rocket booster for launch. Cuyuna 438 (snowmobile) engine of 28 hp. for sustained flight
Armament: 
40 lbs. warhead

 

 

 

 

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