Nord Aviation CT20
French turbojet target drone used for air-to-air missile development.
The Nord Aviation CT20 is a French target drone that entered service in 1957. It is a radio-controlled, turbojet-powered unmanned aircraft, derived from the Arsenal / S.F.E.C.M.A.S. T.5.510 design. Built by Nord Aviation, it uses a Turbomeca Marboré II engine, reaching a top speed of 900 km/h with a flight endurance of 55 to 60 minutes. Observers have noted its resemblance to the Ryan Firebee. After World War II, the drone was employed to test and develop air-to-air missiles.
To launch, the CT20 is placed on a ramp after its turbojet starts, then boosted by two rockets. Ground operators control it via radio signals during flight. Because it is constructed from lightweight materials, the drone floats on water, allowing recovery if it lands on a water surface.
Variants include the original Arsenal T.5.510 / S.F.E.C.M.A.S. T.5.510, which was the basis for the CT20 before SFECMAS merged with SNCAN. The CT20 itself is the standard radio-controlled target. The R20 is a battlefield reconnaissance version, with 62 built for the French Army. The Saab Rb 08 is an anti-ship missile variant developed for the Royal Swedish Navy, with 68 produced.
Operators were the French Army and the Royal Swedish Navy.
Quick Facts
- Aircraft Type
- Unmanned drone
- Manufacturer
- Nord Aviation
- Introduction
- 1957
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The CT20 originated from design work on the Arsenal T.5.510 / S.F.E.C.M.A.S. T.5.510, carried out before SFECMAS was absorbed by SNCAN. After startup of the turbojet, the target drone is placed on a ramp and launched using two rockets. During flight, it is controlled via radio signals from the ground. Because it is made of light material, it is buoyant in water and can be recovered if forced to land on water.
Variants include the CT20 radio-controlled target, the R20 battlefield reconnaissance drone (62 built for the French Army), and the Saab Rb 08 anti-ship missile version for the Royal Swedish Navy (68 built). Operators were the French Army and the Royal Swedish Navy.
Reader's Guide
The Nord Aviation CT20 served primarily as a target drone for the development of air-to-air missiles in the post-World War II era. Its design, derived from the earlier Arsenal / S.F.E.C.M.A.S. T.5.510, provided a reliable platform for testing new weapon systems. The drone's similarity to the Ryan Firebee suggests a convergence in target drone design during that period. The CT20's ability to be recovered from water, due to its buoyant construction, added operational flexibility. Beyond its target role, the R20 reconnaissance variant saw limited use by the French Army, while the Saab Rb 08 anti-ship missile variant was adopted by the Royal Swedish Navy, demonstrating the adaptability of the basic airframe. The CT20 thus contributed both to missile development and to the evolution of unmanned aerial systems in military service.
Did You Know?
- It is launched using two rockets after the turbojet is started.
- A variant, the Saab Rb 08, was an anti-ship missile for the Royal Swedish Navy.
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