Ryan
BQM-34
Firebee
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Photo: Robert Deering 10/18/2012
National Museum of the USAF
Dayton, Ohio
The Firebee, originally designated the Q-2, was a high-speed target drone for both surface-to-air and air-to-air missiles. It was used primarily for the testing of newly-developed missiles and for the training of fighter-interceptor pilots whose aircraft were armed with missiles.

Capable of being launched from the ground or from an airplane in flight, the Firebee is radio-controlled during its mission by an operator on the ground. Upon being hit by a missile and disabled, or upon completing its mission undamaged, the Firebee is lowered safely to earth by a self-contained parachute.

The Firebee on display, the first XQ-2C built and flown, established a record of 25 flights at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., from 1958 to 1960. It was obtained from Ryan in May 1960.
SPECIFICATIONS: PERFORMANCE:
Span: 12 ft. 11 in.
Length:  22 ft. 11 in.
Height:  6 ft. 7 in.
Empty Weight:  

Gross Weight:  2,062 lbs. loaded
Crew: None
Maximum speed: 580 mph
Cruising speed:
Range: 600 miles
Service ceiling: 51,300 ft.
Engines: Continental J69-T-29 of 1,700 lbs. thrust
Armament:
   
SOURCE: National Museum of the United States Air Force  
   
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