Tests to evaluate and improve the performance of the BQM-34 Firebee drone's drogue and mid-air retrieval system (MARS). Aerial view of a CH-53 helicopter in flight. with MARS equipment deployed. A Teledyne Ryan BQM-34 F Firebee drone descending by main parachute as small striped drogue chute trails high above. The CH-53 snags the drone's engagement chute and the main chute releases and flies away. The CH-53 tows the suspended drone.
A Teledyne Ryan BQM-34 F, Firebee drone, suspended from CH-53 helicopter flying in vicinity of Edwards Air Force Base in California, United States. Aerial view of the CH-53 helicopter in forward flight with BQM-34 F Firebee suspended far below. The orange colored Firebee drone trails a striped drogue chute. While in forward flight, the CH-53 pulls the drone closer, until it is within 20 feet of the helicopter.
A Teledyne Ryan BQM-34 F, jet-powered Firebee drone suspended from a CH-3 helicopter, during tests of the drone's drogue and mid-air retrieval system (MARS) at Edwards Air Force Base in California, United States. Aerial view of the BQM-34 f Firebee drone under the CH-3 helicopter, with a striped drogue chute trailing behind. The helicopter descends over concrete ramp and hovers close to the surface, with the Firebee suspended underneath.
Teledyne Ryan BQM-34 F jet-powered drone being recovered in mid air at Edwards Air Force Base in California, United States. Aerial view of a CH-3 helicopter in flight . Visible beneath it is equipment that is part of its Mid-Air Retrieval System (MARS). A BQM-34 F Firebee drone drops from a C-130 aircraft, and descends on a main parachute. The helicopter snags a striped engagement parachute attached to the Firebee drone and continues in flight, pulling the Firebee behind it.
Teledyne Ryan BQM-34F Firebee drone being recovered by means of the Midair Recovery System (MARS) at Edwards Air Force Base in California, United States. Aerial view of a U.S. Air Force CH-3E in flight towing the Firebee after snagging it in the air. The Firebee is suspended far below the helicopter by a cable, and is seen trailing a striped drogue chute. It is gradually cranked closer, by means of an internally installed hydraulic winch system, until it appears to be within 20 feet of the CH-3 helicopter.
Teledyne Ryan BQM-34F remotely piloted vehicle (drone) being recovered at Edwards Air Force Base in California, United States. Aerial view of CH-3E helicopter at very low altitude, with BQM-34 Firebee drone suspended below it on a cable. The CH-3 hovers over the tarmac. The drone's drogue chute flutters about. The CH-3 slowly lowers the drone to the ground, releases it and flies away.
CRITICALPAST.COM: About Us | Contact Us | FAQs - How to Order | License Agreement | My Account | My Lightboxes | Shopping Cart | Advanced Search | Featured Collections | Website Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy ©2026 CriticalPast LLC.
License Agreement |
Terms & Conditions |
Privacy Policy
©2026 CriticalPast LLC.