In 1948, the us air force signed a contract with ryan to build a jet drone that would serve as a target for shooting training. Ryan developed the firebee, a prototype of which, designated xq-2, first flew in 1951. The drone was distinguished by swept wings and plumage, as well as an air intake in the bow

The firebee could be launched either by a carrier aircraft (the first of which was the a-26 invader), or from the ground with a single jato missile. Tests were final and the firebee entered service as q-2a

The us navy and us army are acquiring a slightly different version of the q-2a, featuring a 1000 lb. Fairchild j44-r-20b engine and a front tip in the front air intake. He received the designation kda-1