Globe KD2G Firefly

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KD2G Firefly
Globe KD2G-1 Firefly.jpg
KD2G-1
Role Target drone
National origin United States
Manufacturer Globe Aircraft Corporation
First flight1946
Retired~1954
Primary user United States Navy
Developed from Globe KDG Snipe
Developed into Globe KD6G Firefly

The Globe KD2G Firefly is 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.

Contents

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]

Surviving aircraft

A KD2G-2 hanging from the ceiling of the Aircraft Pavilion at Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile, Alabama Globe KD2G-2 hanging from Battleship Memorial Park Aircraft Pavilion.jpg
A KD2G-2 hanging from the ceiling of the Aircraft Pavilion at Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile, Alabama

A KD2G-2 is displayed at the Aircraft Pavilion of the Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile, Alabama.[ citation needed ]

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 2 3 4 5 6 Parsch 2005
  2. 1 2 3 4 Standard Aircraft Characteristics: Globe KD2G-2. NAVAER 1335B. Bureau of Aeronautics, 1 August 1950.
  3. White 1992, p.27.

Bibliography

Commons-logo.svg Media related to Globe KD2G Firefly at Wikimedia Commons