First remote-controlled (RC) aircraft

The radio-controlled "Fairey Queen" aircraft was developed in 1931 by Britain’s Royal Aircraft Establishment, based upon a Fairey IIIF floatplane. Only three were ever built, and they were devised to be used for military target practice. Following preliminary trials in 1931, the first craft was taken to Lee-on-Solent in Gosport, Hampshire, UK, where it was trialled from aboard HMS Valiant on 30 January 1932. It crashed within seconds, owing to the autopilot’s gyros toppling under the acceleration force of the launch. A second craft was tested on 19 April 1932, but again crashed within just 30 seconds of its launch because of a malfunctioning of the rudder controls. The third and final Fairey Queen was launched on 14 September 1932 and completed a successful flight. Furthermore, it was able to land in rough seas. In January 1933 it was finally used for target practice in a Home Fleet firing trial exercise. The ships in the fleet fired at the aircraft for two hours without hitting it, and the craft was returned without damage. In May 1933 the Fairey Queen was brought down by the guns of the HMS Shropshire while being used with the Mediterranean Fleet. Further pilotless aircraft were developed under the name “Queen Bee”, based on the less expensive de Havilland Tiger Moth.