Directory of U.S. Military Rockets and Missiles
Appendix 1: Early Missiles and Drones
BQ-3
Copyright © 2003 Andreas Parsch

Fairchild BQ-3

In October 1942, Fairchild received a contract to build two XBQ-3 prototype unmanned assault drones based on the AT-21 Gunner twin-engined trainer design. These drones, also called "aerial torpedoes" at that time, were to be fitted with a large payload of high-explosive, and directed to the target by radio commands from a control aircraft. The first flight of an XBQ-3 occurred in July 1944, but the XBQ-3 program was cancelled at some time later that year.

Photo: via Mitchell
XBQ-3


The XBQ-3 was powered by two Ranger V-770 piston engines, had a retractable tricycle landing gear, and was filled with 1800 kg (4000 lb) of high-explosive. The latter was twice as much as the purpose-designed, but smaller, Fleetwings BQ-1/BQ-2 drones. For test flights, it was flown with on-board pilots. Like the other BQ-series drones, the XBQ-3 was equipped with a TV camera, whose image would be used by the remote control operator to "fly" the drone.

Specifications

Note: Data given by several sources show slight variations. Figures given below may therefore be inaccurate!

Data for XBQ-3:

Length16.05 m (52 ft 8 in)
Wingspan11.28 m (37 ft)
Height3.99 m (13 ft 1 in)
Weight6930 kg (15300 lb)
Speed355 km/h (220 mph)
Ceiling5200 m (17000 ft)
Range2400 km (1500 miles)
Propulsion2x Ranger V-770-15 piston engine; 385 kW (520 hp) each
Warhead1800 kg (4000 lb) high-explosive

Main Sources

[1] Kenneth P.Werrell: "The Evolution of the Cruise Missile", Air University Press, 1985
[2] Kent A. Mitchell: "Fairchild Aircraft 1926-1987", Thompson, 1997
[3] John M. Andrade: "U.S. Military Aircraft Designations and Serials, 1909 to 1979", Midland Counties, 1979
[4] US Army Air Forces: "Army Aircraft Model Designations", 1946


Back to Directory of U.S. Military Rockets and Missiles, Appendix 1




Last Updated: 26 March 2003