Initially intended as a Radio controlled target drone, the Fleetwing PO-12 was evaluated in August 1943 for use in an aerial torpedo role, under the assumption that it was faster to convert an existing design,than to start from scratch.The Fleetwings Corporation,formerly Keystone Aircraft Corporation built the plywood XP-12A Model 36 prototype at there newly constructed factory adjacent to Keystone Field Levittown PA in 1941.Powered by a horizontally opposed Lycoming 0-435-5 engine the low wing monoplane featured twin rudders a fixed tricycle landing gear and a cockpit for manned flight.

The YPQ-12A was equipped with Block I(SCR-549-T2) television for visual feedback to the airborne operator.To avoid optical interference from the propeller of the single engine aircraft,the television camera\transmitter was externally mounted under the starboard wing,counterbalanced by lead weights on the port side.When armed the drone carried a 500 pound bomb in place of the open cockpit.which was faired over.

On 10th October 1943, two of the eight prototypes were delivered to the USAAF and were tested in both air to surface and air to air scenarios, one impacted within 30 feet of its ground target, while the other destroyed an airborne Culver PQ-8 drone.
Prior to these final runs approximately 10 hours of flight had been logged.
Ultimately the ship was maneuvered directly behind a PQ-8 and then exploded by radio control.The television picture in the control plane was good, and it was possible to explode the bomb about 75 feet from the target plane.

The original prototype was cancelled but a modified variant was built followed by eight test aircraft, although an order for 40 production aircraft was placed it was subsequently cancelled.




Specifications (YPQ-12A)
General characteristics
Crew: 0 / 1
Length: 20 ft 0 in (6.1 m)
Wingspan: 30 ft 2 in (9.2 m)
Height: 7 ft 0 in (2.13 m)
Gross weight: 2,196 lb (996 kg) with pilot; 2,688 lb (1,219 kg) pilotless with 500 lb (230 kg) bomb
Powerplant: 1 × Lycoming O-435-5 6-cyl. air-cooled horizontally-opposed piston engine, 225 hp (168 kW)
Propellers: 2-bladed fixed pitch wooden propeller
Performance
Maximum speed: 185 mph (298 km/h, 161 kn) as pilotless target