OVERVIEW
The Kaiser-Fleetwings XBQ-2A was an early American attempt at an expendable Unmanned Aerial Vehicle - a flying bomb.
The Kaiser-Fleetwings XBQ-2A was an early American attempt at an expendable Unmanned Aerial Vehicle - a flying bomb.
YEAR: 1943
MANUFACTURER(S): Kaiser-Fleetwings - USA
PRODUCTION: 1
OPERATORS: United States (cancelled)
SPECIFICATIONS
Unless otherwise noted the presented statistics below pertain to the Kaiser-Fleetwings XBQ-2A model. Common measurements, and their respective conversions, are shown when possible.
Unless otherwise noted the presented statistics below pertain to the Kaiser-Fleetwings XBQ-2A model. Common measurements, and their respective conversions, are shown when possible.
CREW: 0
WIDTH: 48.56 feet (14.8 meters)
WEIGHT (MTOW): 7,716 pounds (3,500 kilograms)
ENGINE: 2 x Lycoming R-680-13 air-cooled radial piston engines developing 280 horsepower each.
SPEED (MAX): 225 miles-per-hour (362 kilometers-per-hour; 195 knots)
RANGE: 1,715 miles (2,760 kilometers; 1,490 nautical miles)
ARMAMENT
1 x 2,000lb warhead payload.
1 x 2,000lb warhead payload.
VARIANTS
Series Model Variants
• BQ-2 - Base Series Designation
• XBQ-2A - Prototype Designation; one completed.
Series Model Variants
• BQ-2 - Base Series Designation
• XBQ-2A - Prototype Designation; one completed.
HISTORY
Detailing the development and operational history of the Kaiser-Fleetwings BQ-2 Expendable Unmanned Assault Drone / Flying Bomb Prototype. Entry last updated on 8/18/2016. Authored by Staff Writer. Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com.
Detailing the development and operational history of the Kaiser-Fleetwings BQ-2 Expendable Unmanned Assault Drone / Flying Bomb Prototype. Entry last updated on 8/18/2016. Authored by Staff Writer. Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com.
Fleetwings origins were in 1926 and the company eventually created a small stable of aircraft designs including the "Fleetwings 33" and the BT-12 "Sophomore" trainers during the 1930s. One of its more interesting initiatives became the "BQ-1", a flying bomb design intended to interest the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) during World War 2 (1939-1945). Henry J. Kaiser purchased the company in 1943 and the name was changed to Kaiser-Fleetwings.
The BQ-1 laid the groundwork for the subsequent BQ-2, an early attempt at an expendable Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). Only one was completed and a first-flight was had in 1943. The aircraft was given a conventional layout with fixed, spatted tricycle undercarriage (jettisonable), wing-mounted engine nacelles (two engines) and a standard single-finned tail unit. The cockpit section, while glazed, only sat a pilot as optional. The aircraft's development began in July of 1942 and the type of aircraft was then known as an "assault drone".
Power was from 2 x Lycoming R-680-13 series air-cooled radial piston engines driving two-bladed propeller units. Performance specifications included a speed of 225 miles per hour with a range of 1,715 miles. As an unmanned bomb, the payload was 2,000lbs of explosive materials making up the warhead -the entire aircraft would be expended upon impact with the target.
In the end, the XBQ-2A proved too expensive to procure and field in the numbers anticipated, leading to only one prototype example being completed before project's end. It did conduct several test flights for its time in the air.
The earlier BQ-1 was flown and crashed on its maiden flight. The same USAAF contract covered both designs.
The BQ-1 laid the groundwork for the subsequent BQ-2, an early attempt at an expendable Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). Only one was completed and a first-flight was had in 1943. The aircraft was given a conventional layout with fixed, spatted tricycle undercarriage (jettisonable), wing-mounted engine nacelles (two engines) and a standard single-finned tail unit. The cockpit section, while glazed, only sat a pilot as optional. The aircraft's development began in July of 1942 and the type of aircraft was then known as an "assault drone".
Power was from 2 x Lycoming R-680-13 series air-cooled radial piston engines driving two-bladed propeller units. Performance specifications included a speed of 225 miles per hour with a range of 1,715 miles. As an unmanned bomb, the payload was 2,000lbs of explosive materials making up the warhead -the entire aircraft would be expended upon impact with the target.
In the end, the XBQ-2A proved too expensive to procure and field in the numbers anticipated, leading to only one prototype example being completed before project's end. It did conduct several test flights for its time in the air.
The earlier BQ-1 was flown and crashed on its maiden flight. The same USAAF contract covered both designs.
MEDIA
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Our Data Modules allow for quick visual reference when comparing a single entry against contemporary designs. Areas covered include general ratings, speed assessments, and relative ranges based on distances between major cities.
Relative Maximum Speed Rating
Hi: 300mph
Lo: 150mph
This entry's maximum listed speed (225mph).
Graph average of 225 miles-per-hour.
City-to-City Ranges
NYC
LDN
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PAR
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BER
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MSK
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TKY
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LAX
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NYC
Graph showcases the Kaiser-Fleetwings XBQ-2A's operational range (on internal fuel) when compared to distances between major cities.
Aviation Era
Useful in showcasing the era cross-over of particular aircraft/aerospace designs.
Unit Production Comparison
Comm. Market HI*: 44,000 units
Military Market HI**: 36,183 units
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