This pulsejet, which was similar to the more famous German V-1 of World War II, powered a U.S. Navy Katydid target drone, also built by the McDonnell Aircraft Corporation between 1946-1947. The drone could be either air-launched or fired from a AT-1 catapult on land.

Katydid was usually carried on the 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 280 km/hr (175 miles per hour).

 Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Date Circa 1945 Country of Origin United States of America Type PROPULSION-Turbines (Jet) Manufacturer McDonnell Aircraft Corp.
 Physical Description Pulsejet engine piece for the McDonnell XPJ40-MD-2 Dimensions 3-D: 182.9 × 15.2cm (6 ft. × 6 in.)
 Materials HAZ MAT: Cadmium
Non-Magnetic White Metal
Copper Alloy
Ferrous Alloy
Cosmoline
Paint
Solder
Adhesive Tape
Ink
Plastic
 Inventory Number A19710897000 Credit Line Transferred from the U.S. Navy Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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