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A Northrop RP-76 rocket-powered target drone after launch
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A Northrop RP-76 rocket-powered target drone after launch
A Northrop RP-76 rocket-powered target drone after launch from a Northrop F-89 Scorpion
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Media ID 9891741
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Drone Northrop Powered Rocket Scorpion Target
EDITORS COMMENTS
In this image, a Northrop RP-76 rocket-powered target drone soars into the sky following its launch from the wings of a Northrop F-89 Scorpion fighter aircraft. The F-89 Scorpion, a transonic jet-powered interceptor, was a crucial component of the United States Air Force's (USAF) arsenal during the Cold War era. Its primary role was to intercept and destroy enemy bombers before they could reach their targets. The Northrop RP-76, also known as the BQM-34 Firebee, was a subsonic, remotely piloted target drone designed to mimic the size, shape, and radar cross-section of Soviet bombers. Its rocket-powered propulsion system enabled it to reach high speeds and altitudes, making it an ideal target for air-to-air gunnery and missile training. The launch of the RP-76 from the F-89 Scorpion was a common sight during USAF training exercises. The drone would be released from the aircraft's bomb bay, and its rocket engines would ignite, propelling it into the air. Once airborne, the drone could be controlled remotely by ground personnel, who could simulate various attack scenarios for USAF pilots to hone their skills. This photograph captures the moment of liftoff, with the RP-76's exhaust plume trailing behind it as it gains altitude. The Northrop F-89 Scorpion can be seen in the background, its wings still slightly raised as it releases the drone. The image offers a unique glimpse into the world of Cold War-era military aviation and the crucial role that target drones played in preparing pilots for combat.
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