The Katydid was a U.S. Navy pulsejet-powered target drone built by the McDonnell Aircraft Corporation between 1946-1947. It could be either air-launched or fired from a AT-1 catapult on land. The Katydid was powered by a McDonnell 7-inch pulsejet of 55 pounds thrust. Its pulsjet was like the one on the famous German V-1 of World War II.
Katydid was usually carried on bomb racks of a PB4Y Catalina aircraft and was parachute-recovered for re-use. The endurance of the drone was about 0.7 hours. Its maximum speed was 175 miles per hour. This Katydid was donated to the Smithsonian in 1966 by the U.S. Navy.
Display Status
This object is on display in Rockets & Missiles at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.
Object Details
Date
ca. 1945-1947
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
CRAFT-Missiles & Rockets
Manufacturer
McDonnell Aircraft Corp.
Dimensions
Overall: 11 ft. 2 1/4 in. long x 1 ft. 3 in. diameter x 12 ft. 6 in. wing span, 158 lb. (341 x 38.1 x 381cm, 71.7kg); gross weight, operational, 320 lbs
Materials
Mainly, aluminum, ALCLAD 24 S-7; some stainless steel, A N772-T302 1/2H .016 [thick]; pulsejet grill, steel; pulsejet tube, probably Inconel (has higher nickel content for heat resistance); painted zinc chromate in the interior with some red and black; electrical wires with white cloth insulation
Alternate Name
Katydid Drone
Inventory Number
A19660162000
Credit Line
Transferred from U.S. Navy
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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