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History of the B-58

Air-Launched Ballistic Missiles

During the spring of 1958, there were various proposals for air-launched ballistic missiles (ALBMs) that could be carried underneath the B-58. Sufficient interest was generated that the Air Force agreed to fund an experimental program under the code name Snap Shot.

The Lockheed Missiles and Space Systems division was to be given the responsibility of developing the missile, whereas Convair was to design a special centerline underfuselage pylon that could carry and launch the missile. B-58 serial number 55-0660 was allocated to the project.

Four missiles were initially ordered from Lockheed. The missile project was known under the code name High Virgo and was given project number 199C. In order to save money and speed up the project, Lockheed elected to use proven components from the XQ-5, the X-17, the Polaris and the Sergeant missile programs. The Lockheed-designed ALBM ended up being 30 feet long and had a diameter of 31 inches. The missile was to be guided by an Autonetics inertial system. The rocket engine was a Thiokol XM-20 solid-fuel motor offering a thrust of 50,000 pounds for 39 seconds. There were four guidance fins installed around the exhaust nozzle skirt. The total weight of the missile was about 12,000 pounds.

The first of the four missiles was guided by a pre-programmed autopilot, since the inertial system was not yet ready. The first air launch took place from 55-0660 on September 5, 1958 over the Cape Canaveral range. The missile dropped free from the B-58, and six seconds later the rocket engine ignited. Unfortunately, several seconds into powered flight the missile's control system failed and sent the missile into violent oscillations, forcing an immediate termination of the flight. The failed missile fell into the Atlantic Ocean 30 seconds later.

The second missile was tested on December 19, also guided by a pre-programmed autopilot. This time the results were much better, with a launch taking place at Mach 1.6. A maximum speed of Mach 6 was reached, and a total range of 185 miles was achieved.

A third launch, which took place on June 4, 1959, was the first one where the inertial guidance system was used. This launch was also successful, and a maximum altitude of 32 miles was achieved.

The fourth and last launch was reserved for a different purpose. Lockheed modified the last ALBM to be significantly lighter than its three predecessors, and equipped it with a longer nose which contained 13 cameras which would be used to photograph an orbiting satellite. The object of the test was to see if it were possible to intercept and destroy an orbiting earth satellite. The missile was given the name King Lofus IV.

The target of the King Lofus IV launch was to be the Explorer IV satellite. However, shortly before the launch it was found that Explorer IV's orbital parameters were inaccurately known, and the target was changed to the newly-launched Explorer V. The launch took place on September 22, 1959, with the launching B-58 flying at an altitude of 37,500 feet and a speed of Mach 2. The launch went smoothly enough, but 30 seconds later all contact with the missile was lost. It is not known what happened to the missile, and how close it got to Explorer V.

Even though the Lockheed/Convair ALBM program was modestly successful, very little long-term interest in the project was generated by the Department of Defense, and no further work was carried out.