Intelligence

AQM-34A COMPASS DAWN [FIREBEE I]

The AQM-34A reconnaissance drone was developed from the earlier BQM-34A (formerly designated Q-2-C) jet-powered, subsonic target drone first produced in 1960. It is one of a series of remotely piloted vehicles (RPVs) used for combat reconnaissance during the Vietnam War. Ryan modified the basic Firebee target to fly autonomous, pre-programmed, long-range reconnaissance missions. Twenty-eight special purpose variants were ultimately developed to gather photographic, infrared and electronic intelligence information, to carry out electronic countermeasures, and to act as decoys in probing enemy defenses.