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Globe KD6G-2 Firefly

The KD6G-2 is the last of a family of target drones built for the U.S Navy in the years immediately following World War II.  They were used for training in both air-to-air and surface-to-air gunnery.  The small drones were launched from a ground-based catapult system and were directed by radio.  The KD6G-2 version of the drone was powered by a Kiekhaefer inverted V engine.  The Firefly was the most produced version of the Globe family of target drones.  They were used until the early 1960s when they were briefly redesignated MQM-40 just before the last of them were phased out of service.

Wingspan

11 ft 6 in.

Length

11 ft 6 in.

Height

1 ft 7 in.

Weight

86,000 lbs (loaded)

Maximum Speed

265 MPH

Service Ceiling

20,200 ft

Range

200 miles

Engine

One Kiekhaefer V-105-2 piston engine with 100 horsepower

Manufacturer
Globe

Markings
United States Navy, 1950s

Serial Number
633

Designation
KD6G-2