Early US Air Force Tactical Missile
TM-61A Matador Missile
The Matador missile was the U.S. Air Force’s first missile after World War II. Originally classified as the B-61 “pilotless bomber aircraft," it was designed based on the concept of the German “Buzz bomb” V-1 rocket. Radio controlled, the TM-61 launched from a 40-foot-long mobile trailer using its booster rocket. The booster rocket fell away after take-off and the missile continued on course powered by the turbojet engine.
Prototype testing began in 1946 and the weapon was deployed by March 1954. These first tactical missiles (thus the change to TM-61) were sent to NATO units in West Germany, Korea, and Taiwan during the Cold War. The Martin Company delivered over 1,000 Matador missiles by 1957. In1959, the Matador phase-out began for replacement by the Mace missile.
The Museum's Matador Missile was acquired from the Florence Air and Missile Museum, Florence, South Carolina - This artifact is currently in storage and is not viewable by the public.
Manufacturer: Glenn L. Martin Company
Powerplant:
Engine Type : Allison J33-A-37 Turbojet & Aerojet Solid-propellant 57,000lbs. booster rocket
Dimensions:
Wing span: 27 feet 11 inches
Length: 39 feet 8 inches
Height: 9 feet 8 inches
Weight at launch: 13,593 lbs.
Performance:
Maximum speed : 600 mph
Range : 690 miles
Armament:
3,000 lbs. high-explosive warhead
