Globe KD2G Firefly

KD2G Firefly
KD2G-1
Role Target drone
National origin United States
Built by Globe Aircraft Corporation
First flight 1946
Retired ~1954
Primary user United States Navy
Developed from Globe KDG Snipe
Developed into Globe KD6G Firefly

The Globe KD2G Firefly was a pulsejet-powered American target drone, built by the Globe Aircraft Corporation for operation by the United States Navy in the late 1940s, seeing operational use into the mid-1950s.

Design and development

The KD2G was a mid-wing, twin-tailed aircraft of similar design to the KDG Snipe which Globe was already supplying to the Navy. A single McDonnell PJ42 pulsejet engine was mounted atop the rear of the fuselage.[1] The fuselage was constructed of steel tubing with a duralumin monocoque covering; dural was also used for the flying surfaces.[2] The KD2G was equipped with radio control with an effective range of 6,000 yards (5,500 m); it could be launched using a catapult, or launched aerially from JD-1 or F7F-2D aircraft.[2] Recovery, if it survived its mission, was by a 32-foot (9.8 m) diameter parachute; the Firefly was designed to be able to float for up to 15 minutes in the event of a water landing.[2]

Operational history

First flying as the XKD2G-1 prototype during 1946, the KD2G-1 entered service with the United States Navy during 1947. The improved KD2G-2, powered by a Solar PJ32 pulsejet, began production in 1950;[1] it was the first successful jet-powered target drone to be developed following the end of World War II.[3] The KD2G remained in service through the mid-1950s, being replaced by the KD6G.[1]

Variants

XKD2G-1
Prototype with McDonnell PJ42 engine.[1]
KD2G-1
Production version of XKD2G-1 with 28-volt electrical system.[1]
KD2G-2
Improved production model with Solar PJ32 engine.[1]

Specifications (KD2G-2)

Data from Standard Aircraft Characteristics[2]

General characteristics

Performance

Avionics

See also

Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
Related lists

References

Citations
  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Parsch 2005
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Standard Aircraft Characteristics: Globe KD2G-2. NAVAER 1335B. Bureau of Aeronautics, 1 August 1950.
  3. ↑ White 1992, p.27.
Bibliography
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Globe KD2G Firefly.
  • Parsch, Andreas (2005). "Globe KD2G Firefly". Directory of U.S. Military Rockets and Missiles. designation-systems.net. Retrieved 2013-02-12.
  • White, Maxwell (1992). Datelines, a history of Navy missile testing at Point Mugu, California. Point Mugu, CA: Naval Air Warfare Center, Weapons Division. ASIN B002Y5WHDC.