Globe KD6G Firefly
American target drone used by the US Navy in the 1950s.
The Globe KD6G Firefly was a target drone produced by the Globe Aircraft Corporation for the United States Navy, serving from the 1950s into the early 1960s. Its design drew from the earlier KD2G Firefly, sharing a mid-wing layout and twin-fin tail, but replaced the pulsejet engine with a single tractor-configuration piston engine. Launched by catapult and guided by radio control, the drone could be recovered by parachute if it survived its mission.
First flown as a prototype in 1951, the KD6G performed well and entered production in two versions: the KD6G-1, powered by a McCullough O-100 engine, and the KD6G-2, which used a Kiekhaefer V-105. The Navy used these drones extensively for gunnery training in the 1950s. In 1963, under a new unified missile designation system, the KD6G-2 was reclassified as the MQM-40A and retired shortly after.
Variants included the XKD6G-1 prototype with a McCullough O-100-1 engine, the production KD6G-1, and the KD6G-2 with a Kiekhaefer V-105-2. The KD6G-2 was also briefly designated XQM-40A before its final MQM-40A label. Two surviving KD6G-2s are on display: one at the Pima Air & Space Museum and another at the Planes of Fame Air Museum.
Quick Facts
- Aircraft Type
- Target drone
- National Origin
- United States
- Manufacturer
- Globe Aircraft Corporation
- Primary User
- United States Navy
- Retired
- c. 1965
- First Flight
- 1951
- Developed From
- Globe KD2G Firefly
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The design of the KD6G was based on the earlier Globe KD2G Firefly target drone, featuring a mid-wing configuration with a twin-fin empennage. Unlike the KD2G, which used a pulsejet powerplant, the KD6G was fitted with a single piston engine in a tractor configuration. Launched via catapult, the KD6G was radio-controlled during flight and, if not shot down, would be recovered via parachute.
First flying in prototype form in 1951, the KD6G proved successful and was ordered into production in two forms: the KD6G-1 with a McCullough O-100 engine, and the KD6G-2 with a Kiekhaefer V-105 powerplant. It was used extensively by the United States Navy during the 1950s in the gunnery training role.
The KD6G-2 was redesignated in 1963 in the new unified missile sequence, becoming the MQM-40A before being retired soon thereafter. Two examples are preserved: one at the Pima Air & Space Museum and another at the Planes of Fame Air Museum.
Reader's Guide
The Globe KD6G Firefly served as a key training asset for the United States Navy during the 1950s, providing realistic aerial targets for gunnery practice. Its design evolution from the pulsejet-powered KD2G to a piston-engine configuration reflected a shift toward simpler, more reliable propulsion for target drones. The KD6G's ability to be recovered via parachute allowed for reuse, reducing costs in training operations. The aircraft's production in two engine variants—the KD6G-1 and KD6G-2—demonstrated adaptability to different powerplant requirements. Its eventual redesignation as the MQM-40A in 1963 under the unified missile sequence marked the end of its service life, as it was retired soon after. The preservation of two examples at museums ensures that the KD6G's role in mid-20th-century naval training is not forgotten, offering a tangible link to the era of early target drone development.
Did You Know?
- The KD6G was based on the earlier Globe KD2G Firefly but used a piston engine instead of a pulsejet.
- It was launched via catapult and recovered by parachute if not shot down.
- The KD6G-2 was redesignated as the MQM-40A in 1963.
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