Air Force released today first details of its first air-to-air missile, Ryan Aeronautical Co.'s XAAM-A-1 "Firebird." Only 10 ft. long and 6 in. in diameter, the Firebird can be fired singly, or several can be launched in multiples from a fast-moving jet fighter to seek out and destroy enemy aircraft. With a compact, but very complete radar navigation system, the Firebird is designed to "home" on its objective. The end product of a 2-year, $2-million project carried out by Ryan, the missile has been flight tested at Alamogordo, N. M. It is said to be particularly effective against piloted aircraft, because it is capable of maneuvers beyond human endurance. After launching, a booster rocket in missile's tail pushes it to maximum speed, then is jettisoned by an explosion charge-cutting Firebird overall length to 7 ft. Remaining power for last phase of interception is sup plied by rockets in main housing. The warhead, designed to explode when close enough to insure destruction of the enemy, automatically detonates if target is missed. Not scheduled for regular production, Firebird's primary mission will be to aid in development of better air-to-air missiles.
.jpg)
Social Plugin