us aerial target drones

In 1948 the usaf (united states air force) signed a contract with the ryan company to develop a jet-powered unmanned aircraft intended as a target for training purposes. The prototype drone, named xq-2, made its first flight in 1951. Following successful testing, it entered service with the usaf as the q-2a (also known as the firebee). A slightly modified version, designated kda-1, was operated by the military fleet. In the late 1950s, a new contract was awarded between the usaf and ryan for a significantly improved “second-generation” firebee – the model 124, initially designated as the q-2c. It went into production in 1960, and three years later, its designation was changed to bqm-34a. This drone featured an enlarged fuselage, longer wings, and a unique intake port under the pointed nose. The us navy also adopted the bqm-34a, while the army received a ground-launched version called the mqm-34d with a jato (jet-assisted take-off) booster. These drones were used for training anti-aircraft defense crews