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Home > Fact Sheets > Teledyne-Ryan AQM-34L Firebee
TELEDYNE-RYAN AQM-34L FIREBEE
Posted 4/29/2013
Printable Fact Sheet
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DAYTON, Ohio - The Teledyne Ryan AQM-34L Firebee on display in the Research & Development Gallery at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo)
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Note: This aircraft is located in the Research & Development Gallery on a controlled-access portion of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. The gallery will close until further notice beginning May 1, 2013, as part of budget reduction requirements due to sequestration.
The AQM-34L reconnaissance drone was developed from the BQM-34A jet-powered, subsonic target drone first produced in 1960. It was one of a series of remotely piloted vehicles (RPVs) used for combat reconnaissance in Southeast Asia.
The AQM-34L was air-launched and controlled from a DC-130 director aircraft and flown on low-level photographic missions over North Vietnam. After a mission, the RPV was directed to a safe recovery area where its parachute was deployed. The Firebee was then either retrieved in mid-air by helicopter or recovered from land or water.
The RPV on display was damaged by a North Vietnamese surface-to-air missile and landed in the sea of North Vietnam. Recovered by a U.S. Navy ship, it was damaged by salt water beyond economical repair. The AQM-34L's nickname, Mr. Ling, was a pun on the last name of Lt. Col. Edwin G. Emerling, who was involved with the drone's early combat missions.
TECHNICAL NOTES:
Engine: Teledyne Continental J-69 of 1,920 lbs. thrust
Maximum Speed: 645 mph
Range: 750 miles
Ceiling: 50,000 feet
Click here to return to the Research & Development Gallery.
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