The Northrop KD2R5 “Shelduck” basic training drone was used internationally by the armed forces of at least 18 countries. The KD2R5 was used as a training device for ground-to-air gunnery practice. It was also used as a training target for surface-to-air missiles such as the Seacat, Tigercat, Redeye, Blowpipe, Sparrow, Chaparral, Hawk, Sidewinder and Nike.
Radioplane built a series of improved targets, though details are unclear, unsurprising given the obscurity of the subject as well as the multiple and confusing designations applied to each model.
The ultimate result of this evolution, the “MQM-36 (originally KD2R-5) Shelduck” gunnery target, is well-known, and in fact remains in service. Design of the Shelduck began in1946, with first flight in 1947. It is larger and more businesslike than the RP-5A, and is powered by a two-stroke McCulloch O-100-2 piston engine with 90 horsepower. The Shelduck can carry radar enhancement devices on its wingtips.
Northrop Radioplane MQM-36 "Shelduck" / KD2R-5:
| Wingspan | 3.5 meters: 11 feet 6 inches |
| Length | 3.85 meters: 12 feet 8 inches |
| Height | 0.76 meters: 2 feet 6 inches |
| Empty weight | 123 kilograms : 271 pounds |
| Launch weight | 163 kilograms : 360 pounds |
| Maximum speed | 370 KPH : 230 MPH / 200 KT |
| Service ceiling | 7,000 meters : 23,000 feet |
| Endurance | 1 hour |
| Launch scheme | RATO booster or bungee catapult |
| Recovery scheme | Parachute |
| Guidance System | Radio control |
Radioplane KD2R5 “Shelduck” Basic Training Target Drone
Mounted on Launch Stand
(WMoF Archive / Northrop photo)
Design of the drone was started in 1946 and the prototype flew for the first time in 1947. Since then, more than 55,000 of this type, including early KD2R versions were built.
NORTHROP UNMANNED TARGET DRONE
Drones like this were designed to be aerial targets for fighter aircraft and ground fired missiles.
They were powered by a small jet engine, had maximum a speed of approximately 650 mph and could stay airborne for up to 2 hours.
They featured a parachute recovery and an autopilot with radio control.