Canadian Warplanes 8: Ryan Firebee KD-4A drone

Ryan Firebee KD-4A drone

The RCAF purchased 30 KDA-4 Firebees, which were flown from two specially converted Avro Lancaster Mk. 10DC Drone Carriers from 1956 to 1961. These were used to test the weapons system for the Avro Canada CF-100 Canuck and the Avro Canada CF-105 Arrow. The cancellation of the latter brought the drone program to an end as it was no longer needed for the Sparrow II air-to-air missile that would have armed the Arrow. (Wikipedia)

(RCAF Photo)

Avro Lancaster Mk. 10DC (Serial No. KB851) with Ryan Firebee drone KD-4656, 1962.  KB851 and KB848 were the only Lancaster Mk. 10DC's (DC-Drone Carrier).  They were coded PX-851 and PX-848 while with CEPE's Air Armament Evaluation Detachment at RCAF Station Cold Lake, Alberta.  KB848 had previously served with CEPE at RCAF Station Uplands, Ontario.

(NDIL image PCN-1965)

Avro Lancaster Mk. 10DC (Serial No. KB851) with Ryan Firebee drone KD-4656.

(RCAF Photo via Mike Kaehler)

Avro Lancaster with Ryan Firebee drone.

(Ryan Aeronautical Company Photo via Benoit Thibeault)

Avro Lancaster with Ryan Firebee drone.

(Bukvoed Photo)

Teledyne Ryan Firebee UAV (target variant, IDF designation Shadmit) at IAF muzeun, Hatzerim airbase, Israel. 2006.