early combat aerial vehicle referred time assault developed second world war use united_states_navy capable armed bombs torpedoes aircraft ordered built type saw service japanese continuing developmental issues affecting aircraft success operations conventional weapons led decision cancel assault program october design development lieutenant commander proposed remotely controlled aircraft potential use united_states_navy combat operations limitations technology time development assault project given low priority early 1940s development radar television project feasible following trials converted manned aircraft operational test naval target conducted april month following trials assault received contract navy prototype production aircraft simplified improved design designated control conducted control aircraft usually operator viewing screen showing view camera mounted aboard radar pilot board test flights powered engines horsepower remarkably simple design steel tube frame constructed bicycle company covered wood skin making little use strategic materials production higher priority aircraft capable piloted test flights aerodynamic cover cockpit area operational missions equipped fixed landing gear operations following takeoff improved performance operational history code operation option navy projected squadrons assault formed control aircraft assault ordered technical difficulties development combined continued low priority given project saw contract modified order reduced aircraft single tested production contract resulted testing control deployed operationally operations japanese aircraft equipped single mixed squadron control aircraft operational mission took place september conducting bombing operations japanese ships despite success assault program canceled production aircraft combination continued technical problems aircraft failing live expectations fact conventional weaponry proving adequate defeat japan final mission flown october having expended operations aircraft successfully striking targets loss pilots following war converted operation private aircraft display single example survives display pensacola florida variants operators united_states navy prototypes production version aircraft produced variant franklin engines prototypes ordered canceled favor variant wright radial engines prototypes variant prototype production version aircraft ordered cancelled designation aircraft converted designation designation reserved aircraft ordered designation aircraft produced army designation aircraft produced data characteristics crew optional pilot wingspan gross weight powerplant opposed engines speed mph range nmi armament pound bomb aerial torpedo
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