The highly anticipated Frontiers of Flight Auction will feature a curated collection of Cold War-era RPV lots, with each lot including a flight-flown cover, and additional supporting letters and photographs autographed by USAF test pilots, engineers, or drone controllers. These are not just rare military artifacts; they’re also compelling pieces of aerophilately, carried through the air during real test missions and preserved as official commemorative covers.
How RPV's Paved the Way for Modern Drones
Before drones became a staple of modern military strategy, the U.S. armed forces were already pushing the boundaries of unmanned flight through experimental platforms known as Remotely Piloted Vehicles (RPVs). Developed during the Cold War, RPVs served as reconnaissance tools, weapons test targets, and early autonomous systems, laying the groundwork for today’s sophisticated UAV technology. These missions were often commemorated with flight-flown covers, now prized by both military history collectors and aerophilatelists for their blend of postal and aviation heritage. Each piece in this collection tells part of the story—signed by the pilots, engineers, and controllers who helped pioneer a new frontier in aerial warfare.
The Allure of RPV Memorabilia
These flight-flown covers and signed photos are the “first edition” collectibles of the drone world—rare artifacts from a time when unmanned flight was cutting-edge and experimental. These items capture the very beginnings of drone technology—long before drones became a household word. They connect collectors to daring Cold War missions, cutting-edge military innovation, and the people who operated these pioneering machines. Beyond their historical importance, these items are also rare collectibles because each cover was actually flown on a mission, making them prized in the world of aerophilately. Whether you’re fascinated by military history, aviation, or just love unique collectibles with stories to tell, these RPVs offer a fascinating window into the origins of modern drone warfare, and owning one means holding a piece of that exciting legacy.
Featured Cold War RPVs: Flight-Flown Covers and Signed Artifacts
Flown “Conquest of Space” cover, signed by Major Frederick B. Wynn, commemorating a November 20, 1974 test flight of the PQM-102 drone equipped with the “LEROI” autopilot system during an AIM-9J missile evaluation mission. Included is a typed letter from Wynn confirming the flight and highlighting the autopilot’s importance, plus an original 10x8” photo of the PQM-102 in flight. Wynn’s leadership in these tests helped advance Cold War-era USAF missile targeting and unmanned flight technology.
YAQM-34U & AQM-34M – USAF Remotely Piloted Vehicles – Signed Covers, Letters & Photo
Two flight-flown covers from 1974 signed by Capt. Raymond S. Worth and Major Richard L. Thompson, documenting test missions of the YAQM-34U and AQM-34M drones at Dugway Proving Ground. Accompanied by a detailed letter from Lt. Col. John C. Schoep explaining the avionics testing and a crash landing incident, plus a photo of the AQM-34M drone on a trailer. These items highlight critical advancements and challenges in USAF drone reconnaissance and avionics during the Cold War.
Ryan YQM-98A “Compass Cope” – Flight Flown Cover & Signed Letter – First Flight Documentation Lot
Flown “Conquest of Space” cover, signed by program manager N.S. Sakamoto, commemorating the Ryan YQM-98A “Compass Cope” drone’s first test flight in August 1974 at Edwards AFB. Included is a signed letter from Jack G. Broward confirming the successful 1 hour and 46-minute autonomous reconnaissance mission. Though the Compass Cope program was eventually canceled, it laid important groundwork for future high-altitude UAVs like the Global Hawk.
Buck Weaver & E.D. Sly Compass Cope-R USAF Drone Controllers Autographed Flight-Flown Cover & Photo
Fight-flown cover and official USAF photo, both signed by Buck Weaver and E.D. Sly, commemorating the sixth flight of the Compass Cope-R drone at Cape Canaveral AFS in 1975. Weaver and Sly served as remote flight controllers, playing key roles in testing the drone’s autonomous flight and advanced avionics. Their signatures capture a pivotal moment in the development of high-altitude, long-endurance reconnaissance UAVs during the Cold War.
Ready to Bid on Space & Aviation Themed Collectibles?
Whether you collect military history, aerophilately, or early aerospace engineering ephemera, these flown covers and signed photographs offer a rare chance to own the precursors of today’s drone age—when unmanned flight was still a bold and experimental frontier.
FRONTIERS OF FLIGHT AUCTION
A 400+ Lot Auction Celebrating Over 100 Years of Space & Aviation History With Autographs, Artifacts, Collectibles & Memorabilia.
OPENS: August 5th | CLOSES: August 26th
30-Minute Extended Bidding Starts
Tuesday, August 26th, at 8:00 PM, EST