NORTHROP SHELDUCK KD2-R5 RAN Serial N10-53152

Single Engine Remotely Controlled  Target Drone

History of N10-53152
The Royal Australian Navy used the Shelduck KD2-R5 in the 1960s and 1970s as target drones for gunnery practice.  N10-53152 survived and, following retirement from the Navy, came to SAAM in June 2004.  It is on display the main hangar next to the Jindivik and Canberra.

History of Type
During World War II the US armed forces required a target drone for gunnery practice and   Northrop developed a radio controlled drone, producing over 15,000 during the war.  A development of the wartime drone, the Shelduck KD2-R5, was designed in 1946 and first flew in 1947, with over 60,000 produced and operated by eighteen nations, including Australia.  The Royal Australian Navy used the Shelduck in the 1960s and early 1970s.  Interestingly, Northrop evolved into Northrop Grumman which produces  the MQ-4C Triton high altitude, long endurance remotely piloted aircraft which will join the P-8 Poseidon early in the next decade to complete the maritime surveillance systems capability for the RAAF.

Technical Specifications
Engine: 1 x McCullogh 0-100-2 piston engine of 100hp driving a 2 blade wooden propeller
Maximum Take-off Weight:  163kg
Length:  3.85m
Wingspan:  3.5m
Height:   0.76m
Maximum Speed:  360km/h  (190 knots)
Range:  360km
Crew:  Remotely piloted