Nord Aviation CT20

The Nord Aviation CT20 was a French turbojet-powered radio-controlled target drone introduced in 1957. Developed from the Arsenal / S.F.E.C.M.A.S. T.5.510, the CT.20 was built by Nord Aviation and powered by a Turbomeca Marboré II engine, providing a top speed of 900 km/h (560 mph; 490 kn) and a flying time of 55 to 60 minutes. It has been noted for its similarity to the Ryan Firebee. The unmanned drone was used in the development of air-to-air missiles following the Second World War.^[1]

CT20
A CT20 restored by the Musée des ailes anciennes in Toulouse, France
Role	Unmanned drone
Manufacturer	Nord Aviation
Introduction	1957

After the startup of the turbojet, the target drone is placed on a ramp and launched using two rockets. During its flight, the drone is controlled via radio signals from the ground. As it is made of light material, it is buoyant in water and can be recovered if it is forced to land on water.^[2]

Variants

Swedish coastal missile Robot 08 (Kustrobot 08) at the museum at Gotland Coastal Artillery Regiment (KA 3) in Fårösund, Sweden.

Arsenal T.5.510 / S.F.E.C.M.A.S. T.5.510

Original design work and development of the CT.20 carried out before SFECMAS was absorbed by SNCAN.^[3]

CT20

Radio controlled target

R20

Battlefield reconnaissance drone. 62 built for French Army.^[4]

Saab Rb 08

Anti-ship missile (AShM) version of CT20 for Royal Swedish Navy. 68 built.^[4]

Specifications (CT.20)

Data from Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1976–77,^[4] Aviation Week & Space Technology : CT-20 Target Drone Main Characteristics^[5]

General characteristics

• Crew: 0
• Length: 5.45 m (17 ft 11 in)
• Wingspan: 3.16 m (10 ft 4 in)
• Wing area: 3.20 m² (34.4 sq ft)
• Empty weight: 490 kg (1,080 lb)
• Max takeoff weight: 660 kg (1,455 lb)
• Powerplant: 1 × Turbomeca Marboré II turbojet, 3.92 kN (880 lbf) thrust

Performance

• Maximum speed: 900 km/h (560 mph, 490 kn) at 10,000 m (33,000 ft)
• Maximum speed: Mach 0.85
• Endurance: 55 minutes
• Service ceiling: 12,000 m (39,000 ft)
• Time to altitude: 10,000 m (33,000 ft) in 5 minutes

See also

• KS-1 Komet
• KSShch
• P-15 Termit, P-5/35/45/6 Pyatyorka Redut Sepal URSS