1956 Press Photo KDA-1 Firebee Drone being tested in California - lry10828

This is an original press photo. The KDA-1 Firebee drone, is undergoing evaluation tests conducted by the Bureau of Aeronautics at the Naval Air Material Center in California. The Firebee is launched from the wing of a mother plane at 15,000 feet. The target drone will fly for 30 minutes at a speed of 500 mph up to an altitude of 30,000 feet. Upon the termination of its flight the Firebee can be recovered by a two stage parachute system which operates automatically or by command. This recovery is for repeated use, and makes the Firebee more economical than piloted aircraft converted to drone operations. Photo shows Firebee dropping to earth in parachute. Undergoing tests at the Naval Air Material center in California is the Navy's Firebee drone. Photo measures 7 x 9.25inches. Photo is dated 4-2-1956.

Part Number: lry10828

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This vintage photograph is offered for sale as a collectible item and conveys no transfer of copyright.