The QU-22, a modified Beech 36/A36 Bonanza, served as an electronic monitoring signal relay aircraft during the Vietnam War.
Developed under the project name “Pave Eagle” for the U.S. Air Force, it featured an AiResearch turbocharged, reduction-geared Continental GTSIO-520-G engine to minimise noise, similar to the later Army-Lockheed YO-3A.
These aircraft, originally intended as unmanned drones to monitor sensors along the Ho Chi Minh Trail and report on movements, were piloted by members of the 554th Reconnaissance Squadron Detachment 1, using the call sign “Vampire,” when operational in 1968.
“Compass Flag” was a separate mission that observed the General Directorate of Rear Services along the trail, coordinating with the 6908th security squadron.
In 1968, six YQU-22A prototypes, based on the Beech 33 Debonair, were tested in combat; two were lost, resulting in a civilian test pilot’s death.
Subsequently, 27 QU-22Bs were modified—13 in 1969 and 14 in 1970—with six lost in combat and two Air Force pilots killed.
Engine failures or turbulence effects caused all the losses.
The aircraft featured a distinctive cowl bump for an AC current generator and used heavier Baron wings and spars to support a 236-US-gallon (890-litre) fuel capacity.
Specifications
Crew
One
Length
27 ft 6 in (8.38 m)
Wingspan
33 ft 6 in (10.21 m)
Height
8 ft 7 in (2.62 m)
Wing area
181 sq ft (16.8 m2)
Aspect ratio
6.2
Airfoil
Root
NACA 23016.5
Tip
NACA 23012
Empty weight
2,517 lb (1,142 kg)
Gross weight
3,650 lb (1,656 kg)
Powerplant
1 × Continental GTSIO-520-G,
285 hp (213 kW)
Propellers
Three bladed Hartzell Propeller,
6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) diameter
Performance
Cruise speed
176 kn (203 mph, 326 km/h)
Range
716 nmi (824 mi, 1,326 km
Ferry range
930 nmi (1,070 mi, 1,720 km)
Service ceiling
18,500 ft (5,600 m)
Rate of climb
1,230 ft/min (6.2 m/s)
Wing loading
20.16 lb/sq ft (98.4 kg/m2)
Avionics
Garmin G1000
Sources
Beech Aircraft and their Predecessors-Alain Pelletier.
