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.
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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