The Bomarc was the only surface-to-air missile ever deployed by the U.S. Air Force. The operational Bomarc missiles were based horizontally in semi-hardened shelters ("coffins"). After the launch order, the shelter's roof would slide open, and the missile raised into the vertical position. After the missile's booster was fueled, it would be launched by the Aerojet General LR59-AJ-13 booster. After supersonic speed was reached, the Marquardt RJ43-MA-3 ramjets would ignite and propel the missile to its cruise speed and altitude of Mach 2.8 at 20000 m (65000 ft). The Bomarc was guided to the target by ground commands from SAGE (Semi-Automatic Ground Environment), whose long-range radars tracked the enemy aircraft and the interceptor aircraft and missiles. When the Bomarc was within 16 km (10 miles) of the target, its own Westinghouse AN/DPN-34 radar guided the missile to the interception point. The maximum range of the Bomarc was 400 km (250 miles), and it was fitted with either a conventional high-explosive or a 10 kT W-40 nuclear fission warhead.
(U.S. Air Force Photo Courtesy Andrey Lysenko)
Dimensions
Length: 14.2 m (46 ft 9 in)
Diameter: 0.89 m (35 in)
Wingspan: 5.54 m (18 ft 2 in)
Weight: 7020 kg (15500 lb)
Speed: Mach 2.8
Ceiling: 20000 m (65000 ft)
Range: 400 km (250 milies)
Propulsion: Booster - Aerojet General LR59-AJ liquid-fuel rocket; 156 kN (35000 lb)
Sustainer- 2x Marquardt RJ43-MA-3 ramjet; 51kN (11500 lb) each
Warhead: W-40 nuclear fission (7-10 kT)
First Firing: 1952