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The Fleetwings BQ-1 was an early expendable unmanned aerial vehicle — referred to at the time as an "assault drone" — developed by Fleetwings during the Second World War for use by the United States Army Air Forces. Only a single example of the type was built, the program being cancelled following the crash of the prototype on its first flight.
| XBQ-1 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Role | Flying bomb |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Fleetwings |
| First flight | May 1944 |
| Primary user | United States Army Air Forces |
| Number built | 1 |
| Variants | Fleetwings BQ-2 |
Development
Development of the BQ-1 began on July 10, 1942, under a program for the development of "aerial torpedoes" – unmanned aircraft carrying internal bombs – that had been instigated in March of that year. Fleetwings was contracted to build a single XBQ-1 assault drone,[1] powered by two Franklin O-405-7 opposed piston engines, and fitted with a fixed landing gear in tricycle configuration. The aircraft was optionally piloted; a single-seat cockpit was installed for ferry and training flights; a fairing would replace the cockpit canopy on operational missions.[2] The BQ-1 was intended to carry a 2,000 pounds (910 kg) warhead over a range of 1,717 miles (2,763 km) at 225 miles per hour (362 km/h); the aircraft would be destroyed in the act of striking the target.[1] A single BQ-2 was to be constructed as well under the same contract.[1]
Flight testing
Following trials of the television-based command guidance system using a PQ-12 target drone, and earlier trials of the XBQ-2A, the XBQ-1 flew in May 1944; however, the aircraft crashed on its maiden flight. Following the loss of the lone prototype BQ-1, the project was cancelled.[1]
Specifications (XBQ-1)
Data from [2]
General characteristics
- Crew: 1 (optional)
- Wingspan: 48 ft 7 in (14.81 m)
- Gross weight: 7,700 lb (3,493 kg)
- Powerplant: 2 × Franklin O-405-7 opposed piston engines, 225 hp (168 kW) each
Performance
- Cruise speed: 225 mph (362 km/h, 196 kn)
- Range: 1,717 mi (2,763 km, 1,492 nmi)
Armament
- 2,000 pounds (910 kg) warhead
See also
Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
References
- Notes
- Werrell 1985, p.30.
- Parsch 2005
- Bibliography
- Parsch, Andreas (2005). "Fleetwings BQ-1/2". Directory of U.S. Military Rockets and Missiles, Appendix 1: Early Missiles and Drones. designation-systems.net. Retrieved January 22, 2013.
- Werrell, Kenneth P. (1985). The Evolution of the Cruise Missile. Maxwell AFB, Alabama: Air University Press. ISBN 978-1478363057.
На других языках
- [en] Fleetwings BQ-1
[fr] Fleetwings BQ-1
Le Fleetwings BQ-1 était un aéronef sans pilote « jetable » — décrit à l'époque comme un « drone d'assaut » —, développé pour les United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) par la société américaine Fleetwings (en) pendant la Seconde Guerre mondiale. Seul un exemplaire de ce modèle fut produit, le projet étant ensuite annulé après le crash de l'appareil lors de son premier vol.Другой контент может иметь иную лицензию. Перед использованием материалов сайта WikiSort.org внимательно изучите правила лицензирования конкретных элементов наполнения сайта.
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