The Mighty Mouse unguided air-to-air missile was usually fired in salvoes from U.S. Navy and Air Force jet fighters. The fins unfolded when the rocket left its firing tube or pod. A single hit by one of these small missiles could destroy an enemy bomber. The Navy Bureau of Ordnance began developing the missile in 1948. Used in the Korean and Vietnam wars, it became standard on many U.S. Navy and Air Force aircraft.
Among the aircraft that carried them were the North American F-86D Sabre, Chance-Vought Cutlass, and Lockheed F-104C Starfighter. They were also used from helicopters like the UH-1 Iroquois, Huey Cobra, and Sikorsky S-67 Blackhawk. This missile was donated to the Smithsonian in 1966 by the U.S. Navy.
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
Date
ca. 1960s
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
CRAFT-Missiles & Rockets
Manufacturer
Hunter-Douglas Div., Bridgeport Brass Co.
Physical Description
Cylinder with gradually tapering ogival nose; cruciform, long rectangular fins at rear; fins fold rearward, and when folded have the same diameter as rocket tube; white body; four projecting tubes at rear, with built-in nozzles; fins, unpainted aluminum.
Dimensions
Overall: 3 ft. 6 in. long x 2 3/4 in. diameter x 1 ft. 3 3/4 in. wing span(106.68 x 6.99 x 40.01cm)
wing span diagonal 17"
Weight: 10lbs
Materials
Body, non-ferrous metal; nose section and nose tip, iron or steel; fins, aluminum; nozzles, steel
Alternate Name
Mighty Mouse Missile
Inventory Number
A19660372000
Credit Line
Transferred from U.S. Navy
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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