This is the RP-76, rocket-powered, recoverable target drone, also designated AQM-38A. Developed by the Radioplane Division of Northrop Aircraft from the 1950's, the RP-76 was a training aid for U.S. Army crews manning Nike-Ajax and Hawk anti-aircraft missiles. The RP-76 gave the appearance of a large bomber aircraft and performed realistic maneuvers at high and low levels.
It was capable of speeds up to Mach 0.9 up to 70-75,000 feet. The RP-76 was radio controlled and could be recovered by parachute. The RP-76 was powered by a slow-burning solid-propellant Aerojet-General Corp. 530NS-35 motor of 35 pounds of thrust for 530 seconds.
The Army transferred the RP-76 to the Smithsonian in 1991.
Display Status
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
CRAFT-Missiles & Rockets
Manufacturer
Radioplane Div., Northrop Corporation
Physical Description
Elongated torpedo-shaped, with ogival nose and sweptback wings; rear, low hung stabilizers with clipped triangular vertical surfaces; body with two canted, 15 degree outboard nozzles, one on each side; overall, glossy maroon color, with white wings; contains no motor or other internal components; two lugs on top of fuselage, for attachment of drone to carrier aircraft; rear cone tip, broken, showing white plastic interior; comes with wheel, black, steel stand.
Dimensions
3-D: 294.6 × 149.9 × 76.2cm (9 ft. 8 in. × 4 ft. 11 in. × 2 ft. 6 in.)
Materials
Synthetic Materials
Paint
Ferrous Alloy
Inventory Number
A19910077000
Credit Line
Trasnferred from U.S. Army
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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