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Douglas A-24A converted into a target drone ...

Sat Jun 07, 2014 11:00 am

Another "Myth Busted" perhaps? ...

"The USAAF did obtain later versions of the Dauntless, however, including 170 modified SBD-4s under the designation of "A-24A" and 615 SBD-5s with the designation "A-24B". Although the A-24A and A-24B didn't see combat with the USAAF, 60 of the A-24Bs ended up being passed on to Marine service as "SBD-5As". Ironically, despite the Air Force's lack of enthusiasm for the type, it remained in service until 1950. Some sources claim a single A-24A was converted into a target drone, with a single A-24B converted into a drone controller, but once again details are unclear."

A-24A converted to a target drone. There is an extra antenna mounted behind the cockpit and what may be a camera pod on the belly.

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Re: Douglas A-24A converted into a target drone ...

Sat Jun 07, 2014 11:06 am

I'm thinking the overall color is yellow. The date states September 1943 but perhaps closer to 1944? and the location is unknown (to me anyway)

Re: Douglas A-24A converted into a target drone ...

Sun Jun 08, 2014 8:49 am

The undulating terrain and vegetation in the background looks a lot like the surrounding terrain at Camp Springs AAB, now more familiarly known to us as Joint Base Andrews. If this was late-43, early-44, it would also explain the apparent lack of development as the field had just been opened. Andrews was used for fighter training, so having a radio-controlled target drone would be consistent with that mission.
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