Interstate TDR-1 Special Task Air Group 1 STAG-1 USN

These are 1/72 scale decals for the Interstate TDR-1, operated by Special Task Air Group 1 (STAG-1) of the United States Navy, wearing overall NS Sea Blue (ANA 607) with Insignia White (FS 17875) national insignia.

The TDR-1 was one of the world's first purpose-built combat drones — an unmanned assault aircraft designed to carry a torpedo or 2,000 lb bomb to its target under television-guided remote control, operated by a pilot in a accompanying TBF Avenger controller aircraft watching a live TV feed from a camera in the drone's nose. Special Task Air Group 1 deployed to the Pacific in 1944 and conducted the world's first operational combat drone strikes, attacking Japanese targets in the Solomon Islands including ships, bridges, and shore installations. Of the 46 TDR-1s launched in combat, the program demonstrated both the extraordinary potential and the significant technical challenges of unmanned combat aviation — decades before the concept would be revisited.

The STAG-1 patch — a lightning bolt striking from a shield — and the overall NS Sea Blue finish with minimal markings reflect the TDR-1's operational configuration in the South Pacific. The aircraft's simple, almost crude construction — built largely from non-strategic materials including wood and plastic to conserve aluminum — belied the revolutionary nature of its mission. Includes four national insignia options in two sizes.

A landmark in the history of unmanned aviation and one of the most historically significant and unusual subjects in the entire ootbModels range. Please allow some time for decal printing and shipping.