McDonnell ADM-20C-40-MC "Quail" Aerial Decoy

McDonnell Aircraft Corporation produced this cropped-delta-wing decoy that could be carried by Boeing B-52 Stratofortress bombers and released just prior to penetrating enemy airspace. During an actual bombing attack, it would produce a radar image identical to that of the B-52, fly at approximately the same speed and altitude, and execute roughly the same maneuvers. With decoys and actual B-52s penetrating an enemy's airspace, it would be very difficult for the enemy to distinguish one from the other on radar.

Specifications

Crew:

None

Engine:

One General Electric J85-GE-7 turbojet; 2,450 lbs thrust

Wingspan:

5 ft 4.5 in (wings unfolded)

Length:

12 ft 10.6 in

Height:

3 ft 3.5 in (wings unfolded)

Weight:

1,198 lbs

Speed:

0.85 mach at 50,000 ft; 0.8 mach (650 mph) at 35,000 ft

Range:

460 nautical miles at 50,000 ft; 393 miles at 35,000 ft

Service Ceiling:

Over 50,000 ft

Armament:

None