Ammersol the Interstate TDR

The Interstate TDR was an early unmanned combat aerial vehicle — referred to at the time as an "assault drone" — developed by the Interstate Aircraft and Engineering Corporation during the Second World War for use by the United States Navy. Capable of being armed with bombs or torpedoes, 2000 aircraft were ordered, but only around 200 were built. The type saw some service in the Pacific Theater against the Japanese, but continuing developmental issues affecting the aircraft, along with the success of operations using more conventional weapons, led to the decision being made to cancel the assault drone program in October 1944.


General characteristics

Crew: 0-1 (optional pilot)
Wingspan: 48 ft (15 m)
Gross weight: 5,900 lb (2,676 kg)
Powerplant: 2 × Lycoming O-435-2 opposed piston engines, 220 hp (160 kW) each

Performance

Cruise speed: 140 mph (122 kn; 225 km/h)
Range: 425 mi (369 nmi; 684 km)

Armament

One 2,000-pound (910 kg) bomb or one aerial torpedo