The Aerojet SD-2 Overseer was an unmanned aerial vehicle developed by Aerojet General and Rheem Manufacturing Co.[1] in the late 1950s for use by the United States Army. Built in limited numbers, it never saw operational service.
| SD-2 Overseer | |
|---|---|
| |
| Role | Reconnassiance drone |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Aerojet General |
| First flight | c.1959 |
| Retired | late 1960s |
| Primary user | United States Army |
| Number built | 35 |
Development of the SD-2 drone began in 1957 by the Rheem Manufacturing Company, and the project continued through the company's acquisition by Aerojet General in 1959.[2] Developed as part of the AN/USD-2 surveillance system, the SD-2 was designed for truck launch using two solid rocket boosters; following launch, a piston engine provided propulsion. At the end of its mission, the drone would be recovered via parachute.[2] Control was provided from a translateration system for navigation (similar to the much later differential GPS technology), which allowed the aircraft to steer on a pre-programmed course.[3]
The SD-2 was designed to use a modular sensor system, allowing equipment to be switched between missions according to requirements. Available payloads included cameras for either recovered or real-time photography, an AN/AAD-2 infrared sensor, AN/DPD-2 side looking airborne radar, or equipment for the dispensing of biological or chemical warfare agents from tanks mounted under the wings of the aircraft.[3]
Thirty-five production SD-2s were produced. Poor results from the navigation system resulted in the system's cancellation in 1966, and the program was terminated without any Overseers having seen operational service.[3] In 1963, the SD-2 was given the designation MQM-58A under the revised designation system.[2]
Data from Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1965–66[4]
General characteristics
Performance
Avionics
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