White Sands in Doña Ana County, New Mexico — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Pogo and Pogo-HI

Photographed by James Hulse, July 23, 2024

1. POGO and POGO-HI Marker

Inscription. Pogo-Hi was a rocket-propelled target missile designed primarily for testing the guidance and control systems of missiles. It was an up-graded version of the Pogo target. The chief external difference between the two was the fins: Pogo had-triangular fins, while Pogo-Hi had ...

Pogo-Hi was equipped with a metallized reflective parachute which presented a simulated aircraft target to radar. Reaching altitudes from 30,000 feet to 175,000 feet, it was fired from mobile launchers which allowed it to be supplied at any distance from the radar.

Physical Science Laboratory of New Mexico College of Agriculture and Mechanical Arts (now NMSU) developed Pogo-Hi under contract with the Navy Bureau of Ordnance.

The U.S. Navy used Pogo-Hi for tests of the Sidewinder infrared guided missile by fitting the payload under the parachute with a bright infrared source. The Army also utilized Pogo-Hi.

At White Sands Missile Range, Pogo-Hi was first fired in April 1954 and the last one was launched by the Army in 1960.

Length: 14 feet
Diameter: 6 inches
Weight: 270 pounds
Propellant: Solid
Ceiling: 120,000 feet
Speed: Mack

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First Fired: 1954

Erected by White Sands Missile Range Museum. (Marker Number 94.056.001.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Air & Space. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1954.

Location. 32° 23.178′ N, 106° 28.737′ W. Marker is in White Sands, New Mexico, in Doña Ana County. It is on 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: Shavetail (here, next to this marker); Hound Dog (a few steps from this marker); XQ-4 Drone (a few steps from this marker); Beechcraft MQM-61 Cardinal Target Drone

POGO and POGO-HI with Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, July 23, 2024

2. POGO and POGO-HI with Marker

(a few steps from this marker); Firebee (within shouting distance of this marker); Balloon Launched Decelerator Test Vehicle (within shouting distance of this marker); Little John (within shouting distance of this marker); XM-21 (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in White Sands.

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 . . . Welcome to the White Sands Missile Range Museum. White Sands Missile Range Museum (Submitted on July 31, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

Credits. This page was last revised on August 1, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 31, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 243 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 1, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.