Faced with Japanese kamikaze planes in the Pacific, the US Army Air Forces command decided in 1942 to launch its program for creating “flying torpedoes” (unmanned flying bombs). In July 1942, Fleetwings began developing an attack UAV, designated XBQ-1. The creation process for this guided bomb faced delays.
In 1943, a variant, the YPQ-12 target drone equipped with a television camera and a small bomb, was successfully tested. However, the XBQ-1’s development continued to struggle.
The XBQ-1 Prototype and Its Demise
It wasn’t until May 1944 that the first XBQ-1 prototype (42-79561) took to the air. This mid-wing aircraft was equipped with two Franklin O-405-7 engines, each producing 225 hp (168 kW). The XBQ-1 was designed to carry a 910-kilogram warhead at a speed of 362 km/h over a distance exceeding 2700 kilometers.
Tragically, the UAV crashed during its very first flight, leading to the immediate termination of further development for this variant.
Introduction of the XBQ-2A
Concurrently with the BQ-1, Fleetwings was also developing a more advanced model, the BQ-2, initially with Lycoming XO-435-3 engines. During its construction, these engines were replaced with more powerful 280 hp Lycoming R-680-13 units, and the designation was changed to XBQ-2A.
The XBQ-2A featured non-retractable landing gear that could be jettisoned to increase speed. It also retained the capability for manned piloting of the “flying torpedo.” The first flight of the XBQ-2A (42-79562) took place in the summer of 1943, with testing continuing until December 1943. Ultimately, the US Army Air Forces command decided the project was too expensive for practical application and ceased funding.
Technical Specifications
| Modification | XBQ-2A |
| Wingspan, m | 14.81 |
| Takeoff | 3493 |
| Engine type | 2 Piston engines Lycoming R-680-13 |
| Power, hp | 2 x 280 |
| Cruising speed, km/h | 362 |
| Practical range, km | 2763 |
| Load: | 910 kg of explosives |
Image and diagram gallery of the Fleetwings BQ-1 and BQ-2A Drone Bombs
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