Teledyne Ryan's Pioneering YQM-98 Flexfit Hat

The YQM-98, also known as the R-Tern or Compass Cope R, was a pioneering unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developed by Teledyne Ryan in the 1970s. This UAV was designed for high-altitude, long-endurance missions, setting the stage for the future of aerial reconnaissance and surveillance. With its impressive wingspan and the ability to fly at high altitudes for extended periods, the YQM-98 was a marvel of its time. It was part of the Compass Cope project, which aimed to push the boundaries of what unmanned systems could achieve, focusing on endurance, altitude, and payload capacity. Although it never went into full production, the YQM-98 played a crucial role in the evolution of UAV technology, influencing the development of future unmanned aircraft systems. Its legacy is seen in the advanced UAVs of today, which continue to benefit from the technological advancements and lessons learned from the YQM-98 program.

Like the image but not on a Hat? See this same graphic elsewhere.