|
Fleetwings XBQ-2
 XBQ-2A
Development of the BQ-2 began on July 10, 1942, under a program for the development of "aerial torpedoes" - unmanned flying bombs - that had been instigated in March of that year. Fleetwings was contracted to build a single XBQ-2 assault drone, powered by two Lycoming XO-435 opposed piston engines, and fitted with a fixed landing gear in tricycle configuration; the landing gear was jettisonable for better aerodynamics.
 XBQ-2A
Together with the XBQ-1, the USAAF also ordered a single XBQ-2. This was to be identical to the XBQ-1 except for Lycoming XO-435-3 engines and a jettisonable landing gear. The XBQ-2 was not built, however, being replaced by a single XBQ-2A. The XBQ-2A replaced the XO-435 engines by two Lycoming R-680-13 radial engines.
The BQ-2 was optionally piloted; a single-seat cockpit was installed for ferry and training flights; a fairing would replace the cockpit canopy on operational missions. The BQ-2 was intended to carry a 2,000 pounds (910 kg) warhead over a range of 1,717 miles (2,763 km) at 225 miles per hour (362 km/h); the aircraft would be destroyed in the act of striking the target. A single BQ-1 was to be constructed as well under the same contract.
 XBQ-2A
Following trials of the television-based command guidance system using a PQ-12 target drone, the XBQ-2A flew in mid 1943; following flight trials, the design was determined to be too expensive for operational use, and the program was cancelled in December of that year. The aircraft was subsequently redesignated as ZXBQ-2A to denote its obsolescence.
 XBQ-2A
Variants: Fleetwings BQ-1
XBQ-2A
Engines: 2 × Lycoming R-680-13, 280 hp (210 kW) each
Wingspan: 48 ft 7 in (14.81 m)
Gross weight: 7,700 lb (3,493 kg)
Crew: 1 (optional)
Warhead: 2,000 pounds (910 kg)
|
