Aircraft Photo of 42-79561 / 279561 | Fleetwings XBQ-1 | USA - Air Force | AirHistory.net #680465
Aircraft
Registration / Serial:42-79561
Alternate Serial:279561
Aircraft Original Type:Fleetwings BQ-1
Aircraft Generic Type:Fleetwings BQ-1
Aircraft Version:Fleetwings XBQ-1
C/n (msn):[ 42-79561 ]
Operator Titles:USA - Air Force
Location
Location:In Flight
Region / Country:Pennsylvania, United States
 
Photo Date:8 May 1944
Photo from:William Engle Collection (via Tim Martin)
Photo ID: 680465
Photo Comment

Designated as an Assault Drone, the plywood skinned BQ-1 was powered by 2 x Franklin O-405-7 engines of 250 hp each. A 2000 lb bomb could be carried in the compartment seen here just aft of the wing. A TV camera mounted in the aircraft allowed its guidance onto target from a mother-ship. In this photo, test pilot William H. Engle is attempting to ferry the aircraft to Wright Field, Dayton/OH, but an oil leak from the LH engine forced a return to Lancaster/PA. The leaking oil can be seen on the landing gear and wheel fairings. On 17 July 1944 the aircraft was wrecked in an engine failure induced forced landing near Wright Field, resulting in cancellation of the program. Collection holder William Engle is the son of the test pilot

This photo was added on 25 April 2024, and has since been viewed 443 times.


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