Object Details
Manufacturer
McDonnell Aircraft Corp.
Summary
The Katydid was a U.S. Navy pulsejet-powered target drone built by the McDonnell Aircraft Corporation between 1946-1947. It could be either air-launched or fired from a AT-1 catapult on land. The Katydid was powered by a McDonnell 7-inch pulsejet of 55 pounds thrust. Its pulsjet was like the one on the famous German V-1 of World War II.
Katydid was usually carried on 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 175 miles per hour. This Katydid was donated to the Smithsonian in 1966 by the U.S. Navy.
Alternate Name
Katydid Drone
Credit Line
Transferred from U.S. Navy
Date
ca. 1945-1947
Inventory Number
A19660162000
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
CRAFT-Missiles & Rockets
Materials
Mainly, aluminum, ALCLAD 24 S-7; some stainless steel, A N772-T302 1/2H .016 [thick]; pulsejet grill, steel; pulsejet tube, probably Inconel (has higher nickel content for heat resistance); painted zinc chromate in the interior with some red and black; electrical wires with white cloth insulation
Dimensions
Overall: 11 ft. 2 1/4 in. long x 1 ft. 3 in. diameter x 12 ft. 6 in. wing span, 158 lb. (341 x 38.1 x 381cm, 71.7kg); gross weight, operational, 320 lbs
Country of Origin
United States of America
See more items in
National Air and Space Museum Collection
Location
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA
Exhibit Station
Rockets & Missiles
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nasm_A19660162000