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This is an unflown Mark 4 reentry vehicle (RV) used on U.S. Air Force Titan I and Atlas E/F intercontinental ballistic missiles that were deployed in the early 1960s. It carried a W-38 nuclear warhead with a yield of about 3.75 megatons. Made by AVCO Corporation, the Mark 4 RV has an aluminum inner frame covered by an unknown ablative material that protected it during reentry into the Earth's atmosphere. Because R&D versions of reentry vehicles were commonly painted white, this Mark 4 RV was in all likelihood a test version that was never flown. The donor is unknown.

Display Status

This object is on display in Nation of Speed at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.

Nation of Speed

Object Details

Country of Origin

United States of America

Type

CRAFT-Missile & Rocket Parts

Manufacturer

Avco Corportation

Dimensions

Overall: 10 ft. 8 in. × 4 ft., 1571.7kg (325.1 × 121.9cm, 3465lb.)
Other (object without stand): 1111.3kg (2450lb.)

Materials

Metal, unknown ablative material, and phenolic resin

Inventory Number

A19660029000

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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