MGM-13 Mace
This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (September 2021) |
CGM/MGM-13 Mace | |
---|---|
CGM-13 test launch at Cape Canaveral | |
Role | Cruise missile |
Manufacturer | Glenn L. Martin Company |
First flight | 1956 |
Introduction | 1959 |
Retired | Early 1970s |
Status | Retired |
Primary user | United States Air Force |
Developed from | MGM-1 Matador |
The Martin Mace was a ground-launched cruise missile developed from the earlier Martin TM-61 Matador. It used a new self-contained navigation system that eliminated the need to get updates from ground-based radio stations, and thereby allowed it to fly further beyond the front lines. To take advantage of this longer practical range, Mace was larger than Matador and could travel a longer total distance.
The original A model used a ground-mapping radar system which required the missile to fly at low to medium altitudes. In 1959 a new inertial navigation system was introduced that offered similar accuracy but had no altitude limitation. By flying at higher altitudes the missile's range almost doubled with no other changes. This led to the B model of 1961, which was limited to fixed launching sites, unlike the A model's mobile trailers.
Mace was replaced by the MGM-31 Pershing missile by then Secretary of Defence Robert McNamara, and later in its role as a cruise missile for West Germany, by the BGM-109G Ground Launched Cruise Missile.[1]
Introduced during a period of changing nomenclature, they were originally designated TM-76A and TM-76B for "tactical missile" until 1963, then as MGM-13A for Mobile Ground-launched Missile and CGM-13 for Coffin Ground-launched Missile.
History
Matador
The MGM-1 Matador was essentially an updated version of the V-1 flying bomb, replacing the V-1's pulsejet with a much more efficient turbojet engine. This allowed the missile to travel much longer distances. At the time, inertial navigation systems (INS) could not provide the desired 1 mile (1.6 km) accuracy at these longer distances, so Matador used a simple autopilot that was updated with corrections radioed to it from ground-based radar stations spread along its path. This system had the obvious disadvantage that it could only attack targets within a certain range of the ground-based stations; as the missile continued on its last path it would grow increasingly inaccurate. While this made it useful for attacks against targets near the front, like troop concentrations, it meant more important targets beyond the front, like airbases, might be too far to effectively attack. It also meant the system was subject to enemy jamming as well as more mundane issues with radio reception.
Mace A
In the early 1950s,
ATRAN had the advantage that it was not subject to a maximum range or jamming issues, and in theory, could attack any target within range of the missile. It had the significant disadvantage that it could only attack pre-selected targets, unlike the radio system which would be directed at any target at any time. Any particular missile could be directed at a selected target by changing the film, but targets of opportunity could not be attacked unless they happened to lie along an existing path. Moreover, as the system compared the radar image to one made prior to flight, it was difficult to make maps much beyond the peacetime borders. This was later addressed by developing a method that used small models based on
The ATRAN system was experimentally fit to a Matador beginning in August 1952. This led to a production contract in June 1954 for what was initially known as TM-61B Matador B. To take advantage of the potential range, Matador was modified with a longer fuselage to hold more fuel and modified the wings to be shorter. All-up weight increased to 18,750 pounds (8,500 kg) and range increased to 800 miles (1,300 km). To enhance mobility, Martin designed the Mace's wings to fold for transport, whereas the Matador's wings were transported separately and then bolted on for flight. Flight testing began in 1956, and the missile received its new name in early 1958.
Mace B
Rapid development in guidance systems quickly rendered ATRAN obsolete. In 1959, a modified version replacing ATRAN with the
Mace "B" missiles began were first deployed to Okinawa in 1961
Variants
- YTM-61B Matador B
- Development missiles. Redesignated YTM-76 Mace in 1958, and later MGM-13A Mace in 1963 (not to be confused with the 1964 MGM-13A).[3]
- QYTM-61B Matador B
- Recoverable test vehicles. The "Q for drone" mission modifier before the "Y for test" status prefix was unusual, but appeared on official documents.[3]
- TM-76A Mace A
- First production version, equipped with ATRAN terrain-matching radar navigation. Redesignated MGM-13B in 1963, and later MGM-13A in 1964.[3]
- TM-76B Mace B
- Version with an inertial navigation system and increased range. Redesignated CGM-13C in 1963, and later CGM-13B in 1964.[3]
Locations
Mace A and B types have been deployed in
- Japan, Okinawaisland: 873d Tactical Missile Squadron kept 32 Mace missiles on constant alert in underground bunkers at 4 Okinawa launch sites assigned to Kadena Airbase and located at Bolo Point in Yomitan, Onna Point, White Beach and at Kin just north of Camp Hansen.
- West Germany: 38th Tac Msl Wing kept 90 missiles on alert at above and underground launcher sites assigned to Sembach Airbase (sites at Mehlingen, Enkenbach and Grünstadt); to Hahn Airbase (sites at Wüscheim, Kirchberg and Hundheim) and to Bitburg Airbase (sites at Steinborn, Idenheim and Rittersdorf)
Survivors
Below is a list of locations which have a Mace missile in their collection or on display:
- Orlando Air Force Base, Florida.
- Air Force Armament Museum, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. CGM-13, AF Ser. No. 59-4860
- Museum of Aviation, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia. MGM-13A, AF Ser. No. 58-1465[4]
- Okinawa prior to its delivery to the museum in 1971.[5]
- Orlando AFB, Florida.[6]
- Belleview Park, Englewood, Colorado. Elevated outdoor display. AF Serial Number is unknown. Donated to the city by the Martin Company in the 1960s for use as playground equipment.[7]
- White Sands Missile Range Museum, New Mexico[8]
- Flagler Memorial Park, Flagler, Colorado, Mace A elevated and fenced display. AF Ser. No. 58-1463.
- McDermott Post 452, American Legion, Mildred, Pennsylvania[9]
- Ida Grove, IA[10]
Specifications
General characteristics
- Length: 44 ft 6 in;13.6 m
- Diameter: 4 ft 6 in;1.4 m
Engine
- First stage: 1× lbf,445 kN
- Thrust:
- Second stage: 1× Allison J33-A-41 turbojet; 5,200 lbf (23 kN)
- Thrust:
Technical information
- Launch platform:
- MGM-13A: transporter erector launcher
- CGM-13B: underground bunker
Performance
- Cruise speed: 650 mph (570 kn, 1,000 km/h)
- Operating altitude: 750 to 40,000 ft (230 to 12,000 m)
- Range: 1,400 mi (1,200 nmi, 2,300 km)
Warhead
- Warhead: W28 thermonuclear warhead
See also
Related development
Related lists
- List of military aircraft of the United States
- List of missiles
References
- Mindling, George, and Bolton, Robert, 'U.S. Air Force Tactical Missiles 1949–1969 The Pioneers', 2008, Lulu Press
- ^ Lanning, Randall L. (15 April 1992). United States Air Force Ground Launched Cruise Missiles: A Study in Technology, Concepts, and Deterrence. Air War College, United States Air Force. AD-A258 351.
- Air Force Space and Missile Museum. Archived from the originalon 7 December 2014. Retrieved 5 December 2014.
- ^ a b c d "Martin MGM/CGM-13 Mace". www.designation-systems.net. Retrieved 25 May 2023.
- ^ "MARTIN MGM-13A "MACE"", Aircraft collection, Museum of Aviation, archived from the original on 24 June 2016.
- ^ US Air Force Museum Foundation. US Air Force Museum. p. 94.
- ^ Indiana Military Museum.
- ^ "Martin TM-76 Mace - Englewood, Colorado - Static Aircraft Displays on Waymarking.com". www.waymarking.com.
- ^ "Matador, Mace", WSMR History, archived from the original on 21 January 2013, retrieved 4 January 2013.
- ^ "Mildred, PA - MGM-13 Mace Missile". RoadsideAmerica.com.
- ^ "CGM-13B Mace Missile Historical Marker". www.hmdb.org. Retrieved 27 August 2020.
External links
- Directory of U.S. Military Rockets and Missiles
- Part One - The Development of the Matador and Mace Missiles
- Part Two - History of the Matador and Mace Missiles
- Part Three - Matador and Mace Missile Guidance and Flight Controls
- The FWD MM-1 Teracruzer
- Sembach Missileers - 38th TAC Missile Wing Missileers stationed at Sembach AB, Germany, 1959-1966
- TAC Missileers - Tactical Missile Warriors of the Cold War
- Mace - Federation of American Scientists