Aircraft Photo of 42-79562 / 279562 | Fleetwings XBQ-2A | USA - Air Force | AirHistory.net #680543
Aircraft
Registration / Serial:42-79562
Alternate Serial:279562
Aircraft Original Type:Fleetwings BQ-2A
Aircraft Generic Type:Fleetwings BQ-2A
Aircraft Version:Fleetwings XBQ-2A
C/n (msn):[ 42-79562 ]
Operator Titles:USA - Air Force
Location
City / Airport:LancasterMap
Region / Country:Pennsylvania, United States
Airport Codes:ICAO: KLNS   IATA: LNS   Local: LNS   Other: -
 
Photo Date:29 November 1943
Photo from:William Engle Collection (via Tim Martin)
Photo ID: 680543
Photo Comment

Designated as an Assault Drone, the plywood skinned BQ-2A was powered by 2 x Lycoming R-680-13 engines of 300 hp each. A 2000 lb bomb could be carried in a compartment just aft of the wing. It shares the Fleetwings Model 37 number with the XBQ-1 and has the same airframe, however the fixed landing gear was jettisonable for better performance. A TV camera mounted in the LH wing leading edge allowed its guidance onto target from a mother-ship. First flight was on 21 August 1943. The design was deemed to be too expensive for operational use, so the program was cancelled in December 1943.

This photo was added on 25 April 2024, and has since been viewed 448 times.


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