This is the place where the majority of the warbird (aircraft that have survived military service) discussions will take place. Specialized forums may be added in the new future
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From "Gunner" to "Battle drone"

Fri Feb 26, 2016 6:32 pm

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"
Image
And below the two drones
Image
Image
:drink3:

Re: From "Gunner" to "Battle drone"

Sat Feb 27, 2016 6:14 am

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.

Re: From "Gunner" to "Battle drone"

Sat Feb 27, 2016 7:47 am

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

Re: From "Gunner" to "Battle drone"

Sat Feb 27, 2016 8:18 am

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..... :lol:

Re: From "Gunner" to "Battle drone"

Sat Feb 27, 2016 12:30 pm

Good to know there is one still around (sorta) :wink:

Re: From "Gunner" to "Battle drone"

Sat Feb 27, 2016 1:23 pm

Cvairwerks wrote: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

Re: From "Gunner" to "Battle drone"

Sun Feb 28, 2016 6:45 am

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.

Re: From "Gunner" to "Battle drone"

Sun Feb 28, 2016 12:11 pm

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
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