In 1948, the US Air Force signed a contract with Ryan to build a jet drone that would serve as a target for shooting training. Ryan developed the Firebee, a prototype of which, designated XQ-2, first flew in 1951. The drone was distinguished by swept wings and plumage, as well as an air intake in the bow.
The Firebee could be launched either by a carrier aircraft (the first of which was the A-26 Invader), or from the ground with a single JATO missile. Tests were final and the Firebee entered service as Q-2A.
The US Navy and US Army are acquiring a slightly different version of the Q-2A, featuring a 1000 lb. Fairchild J44-R-20B engine and a front tip in the front air intake. He received the designation KDA-1.
ITEM NUMBER 48400 SCALE 1:48 DATE 05.04.2021 TIME PERIOD After 1950 MARKINGS Q-2A Firebee, US AIR FORCE, circa 1951 Ryan KDA-1 Firebee drone at the Naval OrdonanceTest Station China Lake, California (USA), circa 1960US NAVY XQ-2 prototype, circa 1950 MODEL SIZE (LENGTH X WIDTH) 119 x 79 mm BOX SIZE 247 x 183 x 33 mm NUMBER OF DETAILS 29