Directory of U.S. Military Rockets and Missiles
Appendix 1: Early Missiles and Drones
KD2G
Copyright © 2003-2005 Andreas Parsch

Globe KD2G Firefly

The KD2G Firefly was Globe's first pulsejet-powered target. The XKD2G-1 of 1946 was similar to the piston-engined KDG-1 Snipe, but had a McDonnell 8" pulsejet and twin vertical tails. The KD2G-1 production version appeared in 1947 and had a 28V electrical system.

Photo: Naval Aviation News
KD2G-1


In 1950, Globe introduced the KD2G-2, which was powered by a different engine, the Solar PJ32 8" pulsejet. The KD2G series remained in use in the early 1950s, and the model eventually became the base for the development of the KD6G/MQM-40 Firefly, the most successful of Globe's target drones.

Photo: U.S. Navy
KD2G-2


Specifications

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

Data for KD2G-2:

Diameter27 cm (10.6 in)
Wingspan3.35 m (11 ft)
Speed370 km/h (230 mph)
PropulsionSolar PJ32 pulsejet; 0.78 kN (175 lb)

Main Sources

[1] Norman J. Bowman: "The Handbook of Rockets and Guided Missiles", Perastadion Press, 1963
[2] US Navy: "Model Designations of Naval Aircraft", 1947, 1950 and 1951


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




Last Updated: 4 January 2005