1953 Press Photo Ryan "Firebee" pilotless jet plane launched from its rail

This is the first photo of the Department of Defense's new pilotless jet plane, the Ryan "firebee" as it is ground launched from a 60 foot rail with the aid of a rocket to boost it to flying speed, a second or two after launching, the drone's 1000 pound thrust jet engine takes over as the sole power source as the rocket bottle is jettisoned. The pilotless target is flown by remote control from a ground station.

Photo is dated 1953.

Photo measures 9.25 x 7.25 inches.