White Sands in Doρa Ana County, New Mexico — The American Mountains (Southwest)
RP-76
Photographed by James Hulse, July 23, 2024
1. RP-76 Marker
The target was air-launched from a fighter aircraft because of its small size and light weight. Plastic wings, nose section and aft fuselage were attached to the steel engine case.
Powered by a solid-fuel rocket motor, it had two exhausts at the sides of the fuselage. The RP-76 was controlled by an automatic control system with optional override by radio command. Notice its unique set of flying surfaces: three forward control fins and a fixed horizontal tail plane below the ventral vertical tail.
Because of its small size, it could fly only for eight to nine minutes. It was recovered by a two-stage parachute system.
Developed in the late 1950s by Northrop Radioplane division, it was used at White Sands from 1958 to 1961 by the Army, primarily for testing the Nike Ajax and Hercules. A total of 41 of the RP-76 targets were fired here.
Length: 10 feet
Diameter: 12 inches
Wing Span: 5 feet
Propellant:
this page online
Ceiling: 40,000 feet
Velocity: Mach 0.9
Erected by White Sands Missile Range Museum. (Marker Number 94.078.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Air & Space. A significant historical year for this entry is 1958.
Location. 32° 23.144′ N, 106° 28.683′ W. Marker is in White Sands, New Mexico, in Doρa Ana County. It is on Wsmr P Rt 1 (New Mexico Route 213) 4 miles south of U.S. 70. The marker and various missiles are located on the grounds of the White Sands Missile Range Museum. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: White Sands Missile Range NM 88002, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Rio Grande Valley. It is also in the American Southwest. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Gadsden Purchase, and the Republic of Texas.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: HIMARS Mockup Display Vehicle (here, next to this marker); Howitzer (here, next to this marker); Roland
Photographed by James Hulse, July 23, 2024
2. The RP-76 drone and Marker
More about this marker. The marker and museum are located on the White Sands Missile Range, an active U.S. military installation. The museum is open to the public, but appropriate identification is required for access.
Also see . . .
1. Welcome to the White Sands Missile Range Museum. White Sands Missile Range Museum (Submitted on July 30, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)
2. Drone, RP-76. National Air and Space Museum
This is the RP-76, rocket-powered, recoverable target drone, also designated AQM-38A. Developed by the Radioplane Division of Northrop Aircraft from the 1950's, the RP-76 was a training aid for U.S. Army crews manning Nike-Ajax and Hawk anti-aircraft missiles. The RP-76 gave the appearance of a large bomber aircraft and performed realistic maneuvers at high and low levels.(Submitted on July 30, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)
Credits. This page was last revised on July 30, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 29, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 152 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 30, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
