Boeing XF-99 "BOMARC"
     The BOMARC ("BO" from Boeing and "MARC" from Michigan Aeronaut-
 ical Research Center), originally designated as the XF-99, was later
 redesignated IM-99 then CIM-10A, was a surface launched pilotless
 interceptor missile designed to destroy enemy aircraft. Propelled at
 launch by a rocket booster until it reached sufficient speed for its
 ramjets to operate, it was guided from the ground to the vicinity of
 its target at which time it came under control of an internal target
 seeker. Testing of prototypes began in 1952 and the -A series was
 declared operational in 1960.
     The improved -B series became operational in 1961 and had a range
 of 440 miles and a maximum altitude of 100,000 feet. It had more
 powerful ramjet engines and its solid-propellant booster permitted
 the almost instantaneous launch of a missile on alert. In 1969,
 Bomarc -Bs were operational at six USAF sites in the U.S. and two
 RCAF sites in Canada. Bomarc -As were phased out in the mid-1960s,
 but beginning in 1962 some were modified and flown as supersonic,
 high altitude target drones (CQM-10a). Complete phaseout of the
 Bomarc's air defense mission was completed in October 1972.
 SPECIFICATIONS
 Span: 18 ft. 2 in.
 Length: 46 ft. 10 in.
 Height: 10 ft. 4 in.
 Weight: 15,619 lbs.
 Armament: Nuclear or conventional warheads
 Engines: Aerojet-General liquid rocket booster of 35,875 lbs. thrust;
 two Marquardt ramjets of 1,408 lbs. thrust each
 Cost: $1,154,000
 PERFORMANCE
 Speed: 1,975 mph./1,716 knots
 Range: 260 statute miles/226 nautical miles
 Service ceiling: 65,000 ft.
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