Longbow (ALBM)
| Longbow | |
|---|---|
Basic blueprint of the Longbow | |
| Type | Air-launched ballistic missile intended for use as an anti-radar and ultra long-range air-to-air missile |
| Place of origin | United States of America |
| Service history | |
| In service | Development began in the 1970s and was ultimately cancelled in the early 1980s |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | None selected |
| No. built | Unknown, possibly none |
| Specifications | |
| Engine | Unknown; Speculated to be a two-stage system |
| Propellant | Multi-stage rocket |
Operational range | Up to 2,300 mi (3,700 km) |
| Maximum speed | At least 2,600 mph (4,200 km/h) (Mach 3.5) |
Guidance system | Unknown; Presumed to utilize a passive radiation-seeker plus some form of mid-course guidance such as Navstar (GPS) |
Launch platform | Strategic bombers |
The Longbow air-launched ballistic missile (ALBM) was a 1970s attempt by the United States Air Force to create an ALBM which could be carried and launched by strategic bombers, such as the B-52 Stratofortress or a dedicated "cruise missile carrying aircraft." Intended to serve as both an air-to-ground and ultra-long range air-to-air missile, the Longbow was ultimately cancelled in the early 1980s.