<p>Use of the Culver PQ-8/-8A and TDC-2, by the USAAF and US Navy respectively, left little doubt that targets of this nature improved very considerably the accuracy of those anti-aircraft units which had ample opportunity to train with such devices. The real problem associated with use of the PQ-8 was that its maximum speed of 116 mph (187 km/h) was completely unrealistic in 1941-42, when attacking fighters and bombers could demonstrate speeds that were, respectively, three and two times that of the PQ-8.
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<p>To meet this requirement, Culver developed during 1942 an aircraft designed specifically to serve as a target aircraft. With a general resemblance to the PQ-8, it was of low-wing monoplane configuration and had a similar tail unit; the control surfaces of the aerofoils were, however, larger in area to ensure much improved response and maneuverability when under radio control. The landing gear was of the retractable tricycle type. The powerplant comprised a Franklin O-300 flat-six engine, of greater power to provide increased performance.
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<p>In early 1943 the USAAF acquired a single prototype for evaluation under the designation XPQ-14. This proved satisfactory from the maintenance, launch and flight aspect, and a batch of 75 YPQ-14As was ordered for service trials in its target aircraft role. Proving successful, the PQ-14 was ordered into large-scale production and the USAAF was to acquire 1,348 PQ-14As, of which 1,201 were transferred to the US Navy, being designated TD2C-1 in that service. A heavier version was built subsequently, the USAAF acquiring an initial batch of 25 for service trials as YPQ-14Bs, and following these up with the procurement of 1,112 PQ-14Bs for training units. A single example with a Franklin O-300-9 engine was designated PQ-14C. In 1948 surviving drones were redesignated Q-14A and Q-14B.
