US Aerial Target Drones

Plastic kit for two aerial target drones

• Scale 1:48
• Dimensions (built): length 110 mm / wingspan 81 mm and length 146 / wingspan 82 mm
• 29 + 36 parts
• one KDA-1 and a BQM-34A
• including transport trolleys
• not built, not painted
• Paint and glue not included

In 1948 the USAF (United States Air Force) signed a contract with the Ryan company to develop a jet-powered unmanned aircraft intended as a target for training purposes. The prototype drone, named XQ-2, made its first flight in 1951. Following successful testing, it entered service with the USAF as the Q-2A (also known as the Firebee). A slightly modified version, designated KDA-1, was operated by the military fleet. In the late 1950s, a new contract was awarded between the USAF and Ryan for a significantly improved “second-generation” Firebee - the Model 124, initially designated as the Q-2C. It went into production in 1960, and three years later, its designation was changed to BQM-34A. This drone featured an enlarged fuselage, longer wings, and a unique intake port under the pointed nose. The US Navy also adopted the BQM-34A, while the Army received a ground-launched version called the MQM-34D with a JATO (Jet-Assisted Take-Off) booster. These drones were used for training anti-aircraft defense crews.