The P4Y four engine heavy bomber was the Navy’s version of the B-24. Between
1959 and 1961, ten of these droned (remotely controlled) aircraft were fired at by Talos missiles. Some of
the P4Ys were fitted with ALT-6B jammers while other target engagements were for evaluation of expanding
rod warhead damage. Navy crews flew the aircraft to White Sands from the Pacific Missile Range at Point
Mugu CA. Landing and takeoff of the targets was done from the ground but in-flight control was performed
by pilots in F6F aircraft flying at a safe distance parallel to the target. Mr. George Helfrich is standing
at right.
