Convair MX-2223 (SM-74)

In late 1952, the U.S. Air Force planned to develop a ground-launched long-range decoy missile to simulate B-36, B-47, B-52 and B-58 strategic bombers on radar. Study contracts were eventually awarded to Fairchild and Convair in July 1954 under project MX-2223. Convair came up with a swept-wing, vee-tail design with a fuselage partially made of non-metallic composites. Radar reflectors in the fuselage and wing-tip pods would augment the radar return for realistic simulation of the larger bombers. However, Convair's MX-2223 design was not further developed, because in December 1955, the USAF awarded only Fairchild a follow-on contract to develop the SM-73 Bull Goose decoy missile.

Image: Convair

Convair MX-2223 (XSM-74)

The Convair MX-2223 missile was to be designated XSM-74, but the designation was apparently not finally approved (probably because the missile's development was cancelled). Therefore the M-74 slot in the USAF's guided missile series was never assigned to any flying vehicle.

Specifications

Note: Only approximate data are available!

Data for Convair MX-2223 (XSM-74):

Main Sources

[1] Dennis R. Jenkins: "Magnesium Overcast: The Story of the Convair B-36", Specialty Press, 2001
[2] USAF Missile Nomenclature Records

Back to Directory of U.S. Military Rockets and Missiles, Appendix 1

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Last Updated: 3 July 2007