Martin B-61 Matador pilotless bomber lifts off from roadable launcher, Air Force Missile Test Center, Cocoa, Florida

Martin B-61 Matador pilotless bomber lifts off from roadable launcher, Air Force Missile Test Center, Cocoa, Florida
  • 3084
  • Photograph
  • October 12, 1953
  • HOLD FOR RELEASE UNTIL: 6:00 P.M., E.S.T., MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1953.
    A4512 A.c.—The Air Force’s first tactical, unmanned weapon, the Martin B-61 Matador pilotless bomber, takes off from its roadable launcher in this first released photo of the production bomber being fired at the Air Force Missile Test Center, Cocoa, Florida. Assigned to the Tactical Air Command, the Matador is now being used for training this country’s first pilotless bomber squadron at Patrick Air Force Base, Florida. The first project to use the modern “systems engineering” concept of integrating the various elements which make up such a weapon (for a modern military weapon this includes the weapon, the ground installation for control, the logistic support and training) the Matador is the result of several years of development. In the launching photo, the “booster” jet engine which is used for accelerating the missile to a flying speed may be quickly detached from the body of the bomber. The vehicle is powered by a compact turbo-jet engine.
    WASHINGTON, D. C., 12 OCTOBER 1953.
    OFFICIAL AIR FORCE PHOTO, RELEASED BY DEPT. OF DEFENSE.