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This is the Rigel ship-to-surface missile, one of the earliest purely American efforts to develop a large submarine-launched short-bombardment missile. It was designed to fly 400-500 miles at Mach 2 and up to an altitude of 50,000 feet with a warhead weight of 3,000 pounds. The missile was developed during 1946 to 1953 but did not become operational and was cancelled. However, much was learned from it that was useful towards the development of later submarine launched missiles. The Rigel was powered by Marquardt ramjets and a solid fuel rocket booster. The Rigel was transferred to the Smithsonian in 1968 from the U.S. Navy.

 Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Date ca. 1953 Country of Origin United States of America Type CRAFT-Missiles & Rockets Manufacturer Grumman Aircraft Corp.
 Dimensions Overall: 40 ft. 6 in. long x 2 ft. 7 in. diameter x 3 ft. 7 in. fin span, 2295 lb. (1234.44 x 78.74 x 109.22cm, 1041kg)
Other (aft fins): 2 ft. 7 in. fin span (78.74cm)
 Materials Overall, aluminum; some steel screws and other small parts; cone in front of missile, with copper lining
 Inventory Number A19680221000 Credit Line Transferred from U.S. Navy Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.