MFG: Beechcraft Built In: Wichita, KS
First Flight: 1961
Powerplant: Rocketdyne LR64
Service Ceiling: 100,000 ft
Top Speed: Mach 4 (3,040 mph)
Wingspan: 3’ 4”
Endurance: 15 min
Range: 113 miles
Empty Weight: 270 lbs
Length: 12’ 6”
Number Built: 5,000 (all mods)
The Jayhawk simulates inbound Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) warhead packages for fleet shoot-down exercises. Other variants simulated sea-skimming anti-ship missiles or high-altitude attack missiles. Built as an expendable target, complete with a self-destruct package, most were not recovered. Common launch platforms for this drone were the F-4 Phantom A-4 Skyhawk and A-6 Intruder. US Army designation for this drone is Model 1019 or KD2B.
The motor, a twin chamber storable liquid-fueled rocket was for a time, built by motorcycle manufacturer Harley-Davidson. The liquid propellants when mixed ignite to create high-pressure and high-velocity hot gases that further accelerate as they exit the chamber.
