In Jan 1990, Rick Sherry of Colorado Springs CO, conducted research on the BOMARC and some of his published findings are included here for additional information.
Quote " Development of this surface launched, pilotless, nuclear armed interceptor missile began in 1949. Testing started in 1952 and the "A" series entered the USAF inventory in 1960. Updated "B" models entered the inventory in 1961 and were placed at sites in the U.S. and Canada. The missile was introduced into the inventory as the MIM-10A. The missile was designed as an interceptor missile which would seek and destroy high flying enemy aircraft. It was stored in a coffin-like shelter whose roof opened to permit vertical erection and launch. All needed facilities for monitoring the missile were contained within each shelter; and all missiles were fueled and launch ready when placed into the shelter. Initial propulsion was provided by an internal rocket engine. Cruise propulsion was provided by two large ramjet engines mounted on pylons under the fuselage. Since the missile was an interceptor missile, the launch was controlled remotely from a Central Control point far away from the actual launch site.
Guidance was provided by ground control equipment until the missile was near its target when internal seekers took over. Internal guidance was provided by a Westinghouse guidance system. This system worked in conjunction with the SAGE (Semi Automatic Ground Environment) electronics system.
Phase out of the "A" model was completed in 1965. The MIM-10B "Super BOMARC" was an improved version with more powerful ramjet engines and other improvements. On March 23rd 1961, an MIM-10B intercepted a Regulas 2 supersonic target drone at an altitude of 100,000 feet (30,500M) at a distance of 446 miles (718KM) from the launch point.
After serving out its useful life as an unmanned interceptor, the BOMARC "A" was converted to a target drone. Some 200 of them were made available fo this purpose, with 79 of the 200 being allocated to ADC (Air Defense Command). After modification by Ogden Air Material Area Depot, these drones were used as targets by the USAF's F-101, F-102, F-104, F-106 interceptors and by the BOMARC "B" at speeds in excess of Mach 2 and heights of 55,000 feet (16,750M) or greater. The first drone was launched at Eglin AFB Florida on February 3, 1965 and it was successfully intercepted by a F-101. A total of 700 BOMARCs were delivered when production ended in 1962. Over 200 had been fired in tests and training flights. Phase out of the BOMARC interceptor system was completed in 1972. " Unquote. (Compiled by Rick Sherry, Jan 1990)
