The AQM-34L remotely piloted aircraft flew low-level photo-reconnaissance missions over North Vietnam. The AQM-34 series was developed from the unmanned BQM-34A target aircraft.
The AQM-34L on display flew more than 30 missions over North Vietnam. On Aug. 6, 1972, it was damaged by an SA-2 surface-to-air missile (SAM) and landed by parachute in the South China Sea off the North Vietnamese coast. Although recovered by a U.S. Navy ship, it was further damaged by salt water beyond economical repair.
This AQM-34L's nickname, M.R. Ling, was a pun on the last name of Lt. Col. Edwin Emerling, who was involved with its 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 ft.
Click here to return to the Southeast Asia War Gallery or here to return to the RPAs in Southeast Asia Overview.