This is the XKD5G-1, a pulse-jet powered U.S. Navy target drone. The pulsejet, with a thrust of 170 pounds, was mounted externally as in the German V-1 missile of World War II but of smaller size. The XKD5G-1 had a speed of 300 knots and could be recovered by parachute for re-use. The XKD5G-1 originated in 1949, with tests undertaken at the Naval Air Test Station, Point Mugu, California.
By 1951-1952, requirements of drones increased in terms of speed, and pulsejets were not effective beyond 30,000 feet. Further development of the XKD5G-1 was thus abandoned. The drone was one of the last uses of pulse-jets by the U.S. military. This XKD5G-1 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
1951
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
CRAFT-Missiles & Rockets
Manufacturer
Globe Corporation
Dimensions
Overall: 13 ft. 7 in. long x 1 ft. 7 in. diameter x 9 ft. wing span, 700 lb. (414.02 x 48.26 x 274.32cm, 317.5kg)
Materials
Overall, aluminum, mainly Reynolds, grade AM-13 T3, .051 thickness; screws on fuel drain outlets along fuselage, steel; fixtures on tail, steel
Wood equipment shelf at front, inside nose, probably for radio and/or gyro, shelf with cork backing, glued on; wood here probably for vibration absorbency; wood wing tips, vertical stabilizers, trailing edges, and elevators
Tailpipe for pulsejet Type 347 stainless steel, made in welded sections along entire motor and painted gray; grill steel; fairing on front, non-ferrous, possibly aluminum, painted white, with black rubber pipe affixed to fairing, and possibly used as to gather air for air intake measuring device
Parachute, possibly nylon or other synthetic fabric
Alternate Name
XKD5G-1 Target Drone
Inventory Number
A19660166000
Credit Line
Transferred from U.S. Navy
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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