Some Operational Limitations of Air-to-Air Missiles as Typified by Sparrow I
Abstract
An investigation has been conducted at NRL to determine the effective launch zones for the Sparrow I weapon system against the B-45 and B-29 aircraft targets. Although many of the parameters used apply specifically to Sparrow I, the techniques employed, and to some degree the findings, are applicable to other air-to-air missile systems. Results of the investigations indicate that with available fire-control equipment a forward hemisphere launching with the Sparrow I missile against either the B-45 or B-29 aircraft types is not practical. Varying the limiting parameters (AI radar range, preparation time, and missile guidance range) changes the effective launch zone. Even with major improvements in all of these, forward hemisphere launching with the Sparrow I missile against a high performance target such as the B-45 is impractical.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 26, 1954
- Accession Number
- AD1219763
Entities
People
- Charles H. Dodge
- Forrest C. Titcomb
- John C. Ryon
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory