Ryan Model 147
Ryan Aeronautical · United States · first flew 1962 · reconnaissance aircraft
The Ryan Model 147 was a family of unmanned reconnaissance drones derived from the Ryan Firebee target drone, operated by the United States Air Force during the Cold War era for high-risk photographic and electronic intelligence missions over denied territory.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turbojet, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 8.97 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Cruciform |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Unmanned reconnaissance drone — no cockpit, launched from DC-130 Hercules mothership
- Derived from Firebee target drone; recovered by parachute
- Codenamed Fire Fly then Lightning Bug; extensively used over Vietnam and China
A small, dart-like unmanned aircraft with a straight mid-mounted wing, rear-mounted turbojet exhaust, and cruciform tail; the absence of a cockpit or canopy and the drone's compact proportions immediately distinguish it from any manned aircraft.
Specifications
- The Ryan Model 147 has a length of 8.97 m (29 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 3.93 m (13 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 800 km/h (497 mph).
- Typical crew: 0 (unmanned).
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Entering service in 1962, the Model 147 performed thousands of reconnaissance sorties over Cuba, China, North Korea, and North Vietnam throughout the 1960s and into the 1970s. Launched from modified DC-130 Hercules aircraft and recovered by parachute — sometimes mid-air by helicopter — the drones amassed an intelligence record that proved the practicality of unmanned reconnaissance at a time when U-2 missions had become politically sensitive after the 1960 Powers shootdown.
Variants
Numerous variants were produced including the 147A through 147T and beyond, optimised for low altitude, high altitude, electronic intelligence, and real-time TV relay missions.
Where you'll see it
Operated solely by the United States Air Force Strategic Air Command and later Tactical Air Command; some missions were also flown in support of CIA requirements.
Related aircraft
- Ryan XV-8 Fleep
- Ryan XV-5 Vertifan
- Ryan VZ-3 Vertiplane
- Ryan AQM-91 Firefly
- Beechcraft AQM-37 Jayhawk
- Boeing OC-135B Open Skies
- Lavochkin La-17
- McDonnell Douglas RF-4C Phantom II
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