| CT41 PQM-56 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Role | Target drone Type of aircraft |
| National origin | France |
| Manufacturer | Nord Aviation |
| First flight | c.1959 |
| Introduction | 1960 |
| Retired | 1971 (U.S. Navy) |
| Primary users | French Air Force United States Navy |
| Number built | 62 |
TheNord CT.41 Narwhal was a Frenchtarget drone, designed and built byNord Aviation during the late 1950s for the purpose of providing training in the interception of supersonic bomber aircraft.
Starting development in 1957, the CT.41 used acanard configuration, with a short, straight wing located at mid-fuselage with wingtip-mounted ramjet engines.[1] Launched using an elevating ramp,[2] twosolid rocket boosters provided initial thrust upon launch, with the ramjets igniting at a speed ofMach 1.7.[3]Command guidance was used for control; the aircraft could be fitted with electronic enhancers and flares to boost its target signature.[3] Two types were produced, the CT.41A for high-altitude use, and the CT.41B for low-altitude training. If the drone was not shot down, recovery was via parachute.[3]
The CT.41 began test flights during 1959,[2] with production starting later that year; 62 aircraft were constructed for use by theFrench Air Force. They had only a brief service life before being retired due to being too fast to provide practical training for interceptor pilots.Hawker Siddeley acquired amanufacturing license for the type in November 1960.[2] Six were acquired byBell Aircraft for evaluation by theUnited States Navy; Bell also acquired a production license for the type, which in 1962 received the U.S. designationPQM-56A. The PQM-56A was out of service by the early 1970s.[3]
Data fromDirectory of U.S. Military Rockets and Missiles (2003)[1][3]
General characteristics
Performance
