AIM-4 Falcon Air-to-Air Missile
The First Operational Guided Air-to-Air Weapon
The Hughes AIM-4 Falcon was the first operational guided air-to-air missile. It became operational in 1955 with the United States Air Force (USAF) and was the first air-to-air guided weapon to enter service with the USAF.
Variants of the AIM-4 Falcon
There were several variants of the AIM-4 Falcon, including the AIM-4D and the AIM-4F Super Falcon. The AIM-4D was a modified version of the AIM-4 with a new warhead and improved guidance system. The AIM-4F Super Falcon was a more advanced version with a longer range and higher speed.
Legacy of the AIM-4 Falcon
The AIM-4 Falcon was a significant milestone in the development of air-to-air missiles. It was the first operational guided air-to-air weapon and paved the way for the development of more advanced missiles, such as the AIM-7 Sparrow and the AIM-9 Sidewinder.
Museum Display at White Sands Missile Range
Today, a GAR-1 Falcon is on display at the White Sands Missile Range Museum as a reminder of the early days of air-to-air combat.
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