AIM-47 Falcon: This Day in Aviation
The AIM-47 Falcon: A History
The AIM-47 Falcon was a long-range air-to-air missile that was developed by the United States during the 1960s. It was the first air-to-air missile to use radar guidance, and it was also the first missile to be equipped with a nuclear warhead. The AIM-47 Falcon was designed to intercept and destroy enemy aircraft at long distances, and it was intended to be the primary air-to-air weapon for the United States Air Force. The AIM-47 Falcon was a large and complex missile, and it was not without its problems. The missile was plagued by technical problems, and it was also very expensive to produce. As a result, the AIM-47 Falcon was never widely deployed, and it was eventually replaced by the AIM-54 Phoenix missile.
The Cancellation of the AIM-47 Falcon
In 1966, the planned F-12B production interceptor was canceled, which also meant the cancellation of the AIM-47A. The AIM-47 Falcon was a promising weapon, but it was too expensive and too complex to be practical. The cancellation of the AIM-47 Falcon marked the end of an era in air-to-air missile development.
Conclusion
The AIM-47 Falcon was a significant milestone in the development of air-to-air missiles. It was the first air-to-air missile to use radar guidance, and it was also the first missile to be equipped with a nuclear warhead. However, the AIM-47 Falcon was also a victim of its own complexity and expense. The missile was never widely deployed, and it was eventually replaced by the AIM-54 Phoenix missile.
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