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

This is the Falcon, or GAR-1 (Guided Aircraft Rocket), the first of a large family of U.S. air-to-air solid-fuel guided missiles and the first guided air-to-air missile to enter operational service. GAR-1 was radar-guided. The missile had a range of up to five miles and speed of about Mach 2.8. Designed to destroy enemy bombers, it was carried on the F-89-H, F-102A, and F-106A interceptor aircraft.

Development of the Falcon began in 1947 and it became operational with the U.S. Air Force in 1956. In 1962 GAR-1 was re-designated AIM-4 (Air Interceptor Missile). Several more AIM models later appeared. NASM acquired the missile in 1958 from its developer, the Hughes Aircraft Co.

 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 1954- ca.1962 Country of Origin United States of America Type ARMAMENT-Missiles Manufacturer Hughes Aircraft Co.
 Physical Description Cylindrical with four long criuciform delta fins running down half of its length; taper rounded nose, and four much smaller cruciform vanes under nose. Cruciform control surfaces on trailing edges of fins. Semimonocoque construction. Painted orange with black nose. Dimensions 3-D (Overall): 196.8 × 43.2 × 45.7cm (6 ft. 5 1/2 in. × 1 ft. 5 in. × 1 ft. 6 in.)
 Materials Magnesium skin with body and fins of glass fiber-reinforced phenolic plastic
 Inventory Number A19580099000 Credit Line Gift of Hughes Aircraft Co. Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.