AQM-34 Firebee (multiple)

I photographed these Ryan AQM-34 Firebee photo reconnaissance drone examples at Pima, NMoUSAF, McMinnville and Robins AFB. This was a photo reconnaissance vehicle developed from the BQM-34 Firebee — one of the first jet-propelled drones, and one of the most widely used target drones ever built.

The AQM-34N Firebee at the NMoUSAF was very difficult to see against the dark rooftop, but had much larger wings than previous models, giving it room for fuel and a much greater range.

The NMoUSAF also displayed another version AQM-34Q Combat Dawn Firebee was used in electronic intelligence gathering and after being launched from a C-130 Hercules could run a pre-programmed course or be flown by a remote operator.


AQM-34L Firebee 69-0432

Pima Air Museum 2017


AQM-34N Firebee

NMoUSAF 2018


AQM-34N

Evergreen Museum 2018


AQM-34N Firebee

Robins AFB 2024


AQM-34Q COMBAT DAWN Firebee

NMoUSAF 2018


AQM-34V Firebee

Robins AFB 2024