This is the Gorgon II-A, one of the U.S.'s first liquid-fuel rocket-powered guided missiles. It was developed as an air-to-air weapon by the Navy's Bureau of Aeronautics (BuAer) during late World War II, but did not become operational. With a range of 18 miles, the Gorgon II-A utilized a television guidance system to locate a target and was controlled by radio signals. 21 Gorgon II-A's were built and flight tested during 1945 and 1946. This is one of the few surviving examples.
The Gorgon was one of the first U.S. attempts to use television in guided missiles for target tracking and perhaps the first in a rocket-propelled vehicle. The Gorgon II-A motor produced 350 pounds of thrust for 130 seconds. The Gorgon II-A program was cancelled in 1946. This specimen contains original electronics, except for the TV transmitter.
The U.S. Navy, Bureau of Aeronautics transferred this Gorgon to the Museum in 1965.
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. 1943-1946
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
CRAFT-Missiles & Rockets
Manufacturer
Singer Manufacturing Company
Dimensions
Overall: 16ft x 4ft 6in. x 11ft x 1ft 5in. (487.68 x 137.16 x 335.28 x 43.18cm)
Materials
Airframe, wood; wings, wood; clear plexiglass window, curved, on front of missile; electrical boxes inside missile, mainly steel.
Inventory Number
A19660039000
Credit Line
Transferred from United States Navy, Bureau of Aeronautics
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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