Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer

The TM-61C was the second version of the surface-to-surface U.S. Air Force Matador cruise missile. Built by Martin, it carried a nuclear warhead, flew at subsonic speeds at an altitude of up to 13 kilometers (8 miles), and had a range of 1,000 kilometers (620 miles). After being boosted during its launch by a short-firing solid-fuel rocket engine, a jet engine then powered the missile the rest of the way to the target. Ground-based microwave emitters assisted the missile in finding its target. However, these limited the missile's range to that of line-of-sight transmissions and could be jammed. The TM-61C was deployed at various sites in Europe and Asia from 1957 to 1962 and was replaced by the more advanced Mace cruise missile. The U.S. Air Force transferred this missile to NASM in 1961.

Display Status

This object is on display in Rockets & Missiles at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.

Rockets & Missiles
Object Details
Date 1959 Country of Origin United States of America Type CRAFT-Missiles & Rockets Manufacturer Martin Co.
Dimensions Overall: 29 ft. 10 7/8 in. wide x 39 ft. 8 5/8 in. deep x 4 ft. 6 in. diameter, 8921.9 lb. (911.54 x 1210.63 x 137.16cm, 4046.9kg)
Materials Overall, aluminum with other metals
Alternate Name Matador Inventory Number A19630335000 Credit Line Transferred from the United States Air Force. Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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