WW2 Target Drone

[tiger8mush]

Something different:

My neighbor has what he says is a WW2 Target Drone. I guess it was used in WW2 by the US as target practice and is the first mass-produced unmanned aircraft. He says he got it in the '60s. Just wondering if it has any value and a good way to get it into the hands of a collector. Its located in Southeast Connecticut. He'll be looking to get rid of it but he isn't internet savvy. Thanks for any info!

Rob
:)
tiger8mush@yahoo.com

[vintagetoppsguy]

Rob,

I don't have any information for you, but I just wanted to say that thing is pretty darn cool!

[Jcfowler6]

Hi Rob,

I used to fly unmanned aerial vehicles for a living. I did it for 10 years and don't recall ever seeing one of those. It definitely is cool. I will send out feelers to a bunch of my old buds from those days and see if they know anything.

Jon

[tiger8mush]

thanks guy! its even got a bullet hole in the frame where it was shot at. Below are some links for anyone interested. Seems like somewhere around 15,000 of these were produced and only around 7 are known to exist, minus this one. Its in rough shape but still neat. There is a pic on one of these links of a "Norma Jeane" who worked in a factory or something assembling the propeller on one of these drones. She was first discovered there and later became Marilyn Monroe!

http://ww2weaponsforum.com/showthrea...one-OQ-2A-1943

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radioplane_OQ-2

http://www.ctie.monash.edu.au/hargrave/rpav_radioplane3.html

http://www.designation-systems.net/dusrm/app1/oq-14.html

p.s. Jon, if u know of anyone interested, please let me know asap, as I've been sending emails to local museums to gauge their interest. Also, some have inquired about traveling to come pick this thing up. My neighbor wants it to go to someone who will appreciate it and not "part it out", as I guess the engine and propellers are big collectors items but no one wants the frames haha.

[steve B]

Have you tried the air museum up by Bradley airport? I'd think that would be the best place that's somewhat local.

I'd be interested just because it's so cool, but I'll bet it's out of my price range. I would keep it together though.

Steve B

[Jcfowler6]

I think that any air museum would love to have the plane. You might consider contacting the national air museum (Smithsonian).

http://www.as.northropgrumman.com/products/hunter/index.html

The above link is what I flew for a living for ten years. Fun job!

[tiger8mush]

Hi Steve and Jon,

Yup, both of those museums were on my list of those that I sent emails to to see if they are interested. I haven't heard from either of those yet, but did hear from a place in California that was VERY interested. So we'll see who else is interested early this week.

On a side note, my neighbor isn't looking for much money, if any at all for it. He wants it to go to an enthusiast and not someone that would put it up for auction or "part it out" so I'm trying to make that happen. He's actually got it just sitting out in his front yard and people over the weekend have been checking it out. I'm nervous someone will take it :(

[benderbroeth]

there is an aviation museum in mcMinnville oregon that has a bunch of WWII items i do not know who to contact there though. really cool though.

[benderbroeth]

i think i saw something like this on history detectives last night