MGM-13 Mace
The Martin Mace (designated as TM-76 tactical missile until 1963, then as MGM-13 for mobile-launched and CGM-13 for container-launched versions) is a tactical surface-to-surface missile developed from the MGM-1 Matador. Development began in 1954 with first launch in 1956. Mace was launched from a mobile trailer or a hardened bunker using a solid fuel booster rocket for initial acceleration and an Allison J33-A-41 turbojet for flight. Deployment began in 1959 with the missile remaining in service until the early 1970s. Some missiles were used as target drones because their size and performance resembled manned aircraft.
The Mace became an integral part of the NATO nuclear deterrence in Europe at Bitburg Air Base, West Germany. Maintained by the 71st Tactical Missile Squadron, 36th Tactical Fighter Wing, it was on alert 24/7 in hardened bays around the Bitburg area. The Mace was decommissioned in 1969 at Bitburg.
Variants
- Mace A - equipped with ATRAN (Automatic Terrain Recognition And Navigation) terrain-matching radar navigation.
- Mace B - inertial navigation system, increased range.
Survivors
Below is a list of museums which have a Mace missile in their collection:
- Air Force Space & Missile Museum, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
- Air Force Armament Museum, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, CGM-13 Serial 59-4860
- Museum of Aviation, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia MGM-13A Serial 58-1465 [1]
- National Museum of the United States Air Force, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio. This Mace "B" was based on Okinawa prior to its delivery to the museum in 1971.
- Indiana Military Museum, Vincennes, Indiana CGM-13B Serial 59-4871. This Mace B was assigned to the 4504th Missile Training Wing, Orlando, AFB.[2]
- Belleview Park, Englewood, CO. Elevated outdoor display. Serial no. unknown. Donated to the city by the Martin Company in the 1960s for use as playground equipment.
Specifications
General characteristics
- Length: 44 ft 6 in (13.6 m)
- Diameter: 4 ft 6 in (1.4 m)
- Launch mass: 18,000 lb (8,200 kg)
Engine
- First stage: 1× Thiokol solid fuel booster rocket
- Thrust: 100,000 lbf (445 kN)
- Second stage: 1× Allison J33-A-41 turbojet
- Thrust: 5,200 lbf (23 kN)
Technical information
- Launch platform:
- MGM-13A: mobile trailer
- CGM-13B: silo
Performance
- Cruise speed: 650 mph (570 kn, 1,000 km/h)
- Operating altitude: up to 40,000 ft (12,000 m)
- Range: 1,400 mi (1,200 nmi, 2,300 km)
Warhead
- Warhead: Conventional or nuclear
See also
- Related development
- Related lists
References
External links
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