From "Gunner" to "Battle drone"

[Duggy009]

And nothing to do with Star Wars !
The Fairchild BQ-3, also known as the Model 79, was an early unmanned combat aerial vehicle – referred to at the time as an "assault drone" – developed by Fairchild Aircraft from the company's AT-21 Gunner advanced trainer during the Second World War for use by the United States Army Air Forces. Two examples of the type were built and flight-tested, however the progress of guided missiles rendered the assault drone quickly obsolete, and the type was not produced.
Below AT-21 in glorious "Kodachrome"

And below the two drones

[Cvairwerks]

Duggy: Any chance I could get a copy of the Kodachrome? I've got a copy in B&W for wallpaper on the computer, but would love to have a color copy.

[TAdan]

What a great looking aircraft. I don't think I've ever seen this one before. Thanks!

[Cvairwerks]

Only way you can see the one still in existence (sorta), is wandering around in my driveway and crawling around in one of my storage units.....

[TAdan]

Good to know there is one still around (sorta)

[Duggy009]

Duggy: Any chance I could get a copy of the Kodachrome? I've got a copy in B&W for wallpaper on the computer, but would love to have a color copy.

LINK -- http://airandspace.si.edu/collections/a ... arc_365660

Regards Duggy

[Cvairwerks]

Thanks Duggy. There is a copy of that image in one of my Fairchild books, along with one that is very similar, but of what appears to be a flight test aircraft, as it has 4 pitot systems....the normal 2 on the nose and one on an extended boom near each wingtip.

[Randy Wilson]

Yes, there is a color close-up of what looks to be the same plane in flight on page 84 of Kent Mitchell's "Fairchild Aircraft 1926-1987".

Randy