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This is a Petrel, an air-to-surface or air-to-underwater missile developed by the National Bureau of Standards for the U.S. Naval Bureau of Ordnance. The missile is basically a 2,000 pound airborne torpedo with semi-active automatic radar homing guidance in its warhead. The main propulsion system is a J-44 Fairchild turbojet engine and it was also fitted with a solid fuel booster. Prior to impact, the Petrel jettisoned its turbojet and attachments. The torpedo then entered the water unencumbered and made a normal run at the submarine or surface ship target. The Petrel had a brief operational life. It became operational in 1958 but target-seeking was difficult and it was cancelled in the same year. The missile was transferred to the Smithsonian in 1968 from 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
Country of Origin United States of America Type CRAFT-Missiles & Rockets Manufacturer Fairchild Engine and Airplane Corporation
 Dimensions Other: 24 ft. long x 1 ft. 10 in. diameter x 13 ft. span, 3900 lb. (731.5 x 55.88 x 396.2cm, 1769kg)
 Materials Aluminum body and fins overall; some steel sections, including some external pipes and plate by the lettering, F.T.V. 17 and steel torpedo section in back; some screws and rivets, steel; fins with black, black plastic or rubber-like strips around leading edges; brown fiberglass or phenolic nose
 Inventory Number A19680033000 Credit Line Transferred from U.S. Navy, Naval Supply Depot, Mechanicsberg, Pa., to Smithsonian, by way of National Armed Forces Museum Advisory Board (NAFMAB) on 1 March 1967 Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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