Globe KDG Snipe

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KDG/KD3G Snipe
Role Target drone
National origin United States
Built by Globe Aircraft Corporation
First flight 1946
Retired c.1954
Primary user United States Navy
Developed into Globe KD2G Firefly

The Globe KDG Snipe was an American target drone, built by the Globe Aircraft Corporation for use by the United States Navy. The KDG, and its modified version, the KD3G Snipe, served between 1946 and the early 1950s.

Design and development[edit]

The KDG Snipe was a small, mid-winged target drone,[1] operated by radio control. The Snipe was designed to be launched by use of a catapult system; if the aircraft was not destroyed during its mission, it would deploy a parachute for recovery.[2] The KDG was powered by a McCulloch 4300 two-stroke engine; an improved version, designated KD3G, was powered by a 30 horsepower (22 kW) Kiekhaefer O-45 opposed piston engine.[2]

Operational history[edit]

The Snipe entered service with the U.S. Navy in 1946; the KDG had been retired from service by 1950. The improved KD3G model remained in service through the early 1950s.[2]


Basic model with McCulloch 4300 engine.[2]
KDG-1 with 24-volt electrical system.[1]
KDG-1 with Kiekhaefer O-45-35 engine.[2][3]
KD3G-1 with 28-volt electrical system.[3]

Specifications (KD3G-2)[edit]

Data from Parsch[2]

General characteristics


  • AN/ARW-26Y radio control system


  1. ^ a b Grossnick and Armstrong 1997, p.669.
  2. ^ a b c d e f Parsch 2003
  3. ^ a b Grossnick and Armstrong 1997, p.670.