PQ-12
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PQ-12

PQ-12

PQ-12 was a parallel project of Culver. Army Aviation USA, watching the tests of PQ-8, offered the company-developer to create a radio-controlled device of the same class. After some agreements, the project was transferred to Fleetwings. Their UAV was much smaller than the analog. The standard chassis was replaced by a three-line fixed with a nose wheel. As a powerplant decided to use the engine Lycoming O-435-5 with an output of 225 l. from. In addition, the designers envisaged the theoretical placement of the pilot in an open single cabin, but in practice the aircraft was operated only by radio.

HPQ-12, his first prototype, which ordered the end of the year 1941, was never built. But representatives of the USAAF ordered re-experienced a modified copy of HPQ-12A 8 and pre-production YPQ-12A. All ordered aircraft were made in 1942 year and delivered to the customer. In addition, the developer offered to build another 40 machines, but mass production has not begun, because by the time the customer is no longer needed the same type of unmanned vehicles in such numbers.

The rest of the built vehicles were transferred to the government as bomb charge carriers. In place of the pilot placed one 225-kilogram bomb. Guidance was carried out by radio. A year later, in October, 2 aircraft began to pass tests using television cameras. The tests, although they were not crowned with complete success, still gave some results that were widely used in another unmanned vehicle - Fleetwings BQ-1 \ BQ-2. 

PQ-12. Characteristics:



Modification   YPQ-12
Wingspan, m   8.90
Length, m   5.40
Height, m   2.20
Wing area, m2  
Weight, kg  
  empty  
  takeoff  
engine's type   1 PD Lycoming O-435-5
Power, hp   X 1 225
Maximum speed km / h  
Practical range, km  
Practical ceiling, m  

 

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