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This is a Marc 50 rocket motor developed and manufactured by the Atlantic Research Corporation (ARC). The U.S. Air Force used these motors to eject the nosecone shroud on the Minuteman III intercontininental ballistic missile (ICBM) just before deployment of the Mark 12 reentry vehicle that would carry the nuclear payload.

The motor used Arcadene 156A propellant manufactured by ARC; it produced a thrust of 1,100 pounds. Development of the motor got underway in August 1966 and ended in a little more than one year, in September 1967. The Minuteman III became operational in 1970.

Transferred to NASM from the Atlantic Research Corporation.

 Display Status

This object is on display in Rockets & Missiles at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.

Rockets & Missiles
Object Details
Date 1966-1970 Country of Origin United States of America Type PROPULSION-Rocket Engines Manufacturer Atlantic Research Corp.
 Dimensions Length, 19 inches; width, 17 inches; diameter, 6 inches; weight, 12 lbs.
 Materials Overall, steel, probably AISI 4130 steel, with an ATJ graphite nozzle insert; exterior seruces are cadmium plated
 Inventory Number A20060534000 Credit Line Gift of Atlantic Research Group Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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