Culver PQ-14/Q-14/TD2C
In 1942 Culver designed a larger and more powerful derivative of their PQ-8/TDC Cadet target as the model NR-D. A single PQ-8 was converted to the new configuration and tested by the USAAF as the XPQ-14. This was followed by YPQ-14A service test aircraft and more than 1400 PQ-14A production models. Of the latter, about 1200 were transferred to the U.S. Navy, which designated them as TD2C-1 Turkey.
The PQ-14A was powered by a Franklin O-300-11 piston engine and had a retractable tricycle landing gear. Like the PQ-8, it was flown manned for ferry or check-out flights, and by radio-control from the ground as a target drone.
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| Photo: © Aerofiles |
| TD2C-1 |
The YPQ-14B was a slightly heavier variant, which was followed by a production run of more than 1100 PQ-14B targets for the USAAF. A single PQ-14B was converted to use an O-300-9 engine and designated XPQ-14C.
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| Photo: © Kenneth W. Shanaberger, Ken's Aviation |
| PQ-14A/B (exact model unknown) |
In 1948, the U.S. Air Force redesignated the remaining PQ-14A and PQ-14B drones as Q-14A and Q-14B, respectively. A few Q-14Bs were converted to drone control aircraft (presumably to control other Q-14s) and designated DQ-14B. The latter were always flown by an on-board pilot. The last Q-14s left the USAF inventory around 1950.
Specifications
Note: Data given by several sources show slight variations. Figures given below may therefore be inaccurate!
Data for PQ-14B (Q-14B):
| Length | 5.94 m (19 ft 6 in) |
| Wingspan | 9.14 m (30 ft) |
| Height | 2.54 m (8 ft 4 in) |
| Weight | 830 kg (1830 lb) |
| Speed | 300 km/h (185 mph) |
| Ceiling | 5200 m (17000 ft) |
| Range | 580 km (360 miles) |
| Propulsion | Franklin O-300-11 piston engine; 111 kW (150 hp) |
Main Sources
[1] Gordon Swanborough, Peter M. Bowers: "U.S. Military Aircraft since 1908", Putnam, 1989
[2] John M. Andrade: "U.S. Military Aircraft Designations and Serials, 1909 to 1979", Midland Counties, 1979
[3] James C. Fahey: "U.S. Army Aircraft 1908-1946", Ships and Aircraft, 1946
Back to Directory of U.S. Military Rockets and Missiles, Appendix 1
Last Updated: 20 March 2003