Bold Orion | |
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Type | Air-launched ballistic missile |
Place of origin | United States |
Service history | |
In service | 1958–1959 |
Used by | United States Air Force |
Production history | |
Designed | 1958 |
Manufacturer | Martin Aircraft |
No. built | 12 |
Specifications (Two-stage version) | |
Length | 37 feet (11 m) |
Diameter | 31 inches (0.79 m) |
Engine | First stage, Thiokol TX-20 Sergeant; 1,500 lbf (6.66 kN) Second stage, ABL X-248 Altair; 2,800 lbf (12.45 kN) |
Propellant | Solid fuel |
Operational range | 1,100 miles (1,800 km) |
Launch platform | B-47 Stratojet |
The Bold Orion missile, also known as Weapons System 199B (WS-199B), was a prototype air-launched ballistic missile (ALBM) developed by Martin Aircraft during the 1950s. Developed in both one- and two-stage designs, the missile was moderately successful in testing, and helped pave the way for development of the GAM-87 Skybolt ALBM. In addition, the Bold Orion was used in early anti-satellite weapons testing, performing the first interception of a satellite by a missile.