In the mid1960s the U.S. Air Force needed a system to conduct reconnaissance and gather intelligence without putting aircrews in danger. Ryan's proven Model 147 Firebee unmanned target drone, built in more than 20 variants, filled the requirement. The Model 147H, designated AQM34N by the USAF, became operational with Strategic Air Command reconnaissance units in the late 1960s.

With a wingspan three times that of the original Firebee, it could operate above 60,000 feet. The AQM34N had a range in excess of 2,400 miles. Several electronic, maneuverability and stealthlike low observability systems were included to reduce vulnerability to interceptors and surfacetoair missiles. Between March 1967 and July 1971, 138 AQM34N missions were launched from DC130 aircraft and flown under preprogrammed control in and out of hostile territory. Some AQM34Ns were lost over China and were displayed in communist propaganda photos. Almost 65 percent were recovered, many with the MidAir Retrieval System (MARS), a specially equipped helicopter that "snatched" the drone while in parachute descent.

The AQM34N on display left active service in 1973.

TECHNICAL NOTES:
Maximum speed: 420 mph
Wingspan: 32 ft.
Length: 30 ft.