Fleetwings A-1
| A-1 | |
|---|---|
| Role | Target drone |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Kaiser-Fleetwings |
| First flight | 1939 |
| Primary user | USAAC |
| Number built | 1 |
The Fleetwings A-1 was an American target drone manufactured by Kaiser-Fleetwings.
Design and development
[edit]The A-1 was built in 1939 as a small aerial gunnery target. It was flown unmanned and controlled by radio commands from the ground.[1] It was a mid-wing monoplane with fixed tricycle landing gear. The A-1 utilized a Radio Frequency Laboratories control unit, broadcasting on 73 MHz; control was by traditonal aircraft-style controls operated by the controller; alternatively the controller could wear a control yoke on a chest-mounted support.[2]
Operational history
[edit]Manufacturer's flight trials of the A-1 were conducted at Boonton Township Airfield; following them delivery was made to the Aberdeen Proving Ground for Army trials. The first Army test flight ended in the aircraft crashing, and the project was abandoned.[2]
Specifications
[edit]General characteristics
- Crew: none
- Wingspan: 20 ft 0 in (6.0 m)
- Powerplant: 1 × unknown , 80 hp (60 kW)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 180 mph (290 km/h, 160 kn)
- Endurance: 1 hours 0 minutes
- Service ceiling: 10,000 ft (3,000 m)
References
[edit]- ^ "A Series". www.designation-systems.net.
- ^ a b Wolf, William (2021). Off Target: America’s Guided Bombs, Missiles and Drones 1917-1950. Oxford, England: Fonthill Media. ISBN 978-1-78155-816-4. Retrieved 11 December 2024.