They were testing the plane for the role of COD. That role was filled by the TBM-3E and C-1 Trader. Neither has a large capacity. It was decided after the tests that it was too risky for routine COD flights. Consequently the Navy developed the C-2 Greyhound.
One of the docents, when I volunteer on Wednesdays, flew CODs during the late 60's and early 70's in South East Asia. Was telling some of us a story from back in 1969 because we were discussing the drones of today. Well they had drones back then that were about 6-7 feet long. Fly them out of the base on Okinawa for pilots of F8 Crusaders and F4 Phantoms could get gunnery practice. Most F4s did not have guns so they practiced missile acquisition.
They were flown using a remote joystick followed by a chase plane. When the chase plane relayed that the drone was fully functioning it would depart the area. In would come the fighters from carriers to practice and then the drone would be returned to base. The drones were not to be shot up but he says the gun fighters would get carried away.
However, one day as the drone makes the turn for home they lose control. It does not complete it's turn and starts flying towards the big Kadena AFB at 2000 feet. Just at that time a flight of B-52s are returning from a bomb run and setting into their landing routine just as this thing flies through them. One saw big B-52s peeling off left and right to avoid the thing with no mishaps. Needless to say the crap hit the fan. He could laugh about it now but at the time it was a dangerous situation. Apparently the drones did not have a self destruct system.
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