ADR-8
The ADR-8 was an unguided electronic countermeasures rocket developed by Tracor for use by the United States Air Force. It was used to dispense chaff from Boeing B-52 Stratofortress bombers.
| ADR-8A | |
|---|---|
| Type | Chaff rocket |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Service history | |
| Used by | United States Air Force |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Tracor |
| Designed | early 1960s |
| Manufacturer | Revere Copper and Brass |
| Specifications | |
| Length | 5 feet (1.5 m) |
| Diameter | 2.75 inches (70 mm) |
| Warhead | Chaff |
| Propellant | Solid fuel |
Guidance system | None |
Launch platform | B-52 Stratofortress |
Development
Originally given the designation RCU-2, the ADR-8 was developed for use by the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress strategic bomber, to give the aircraft a means of dispensing chaff to disrupt enemy radar.[1] Developed by Tracor under a Quick Reaction Contract, the ADR-8 was a folding fin rocket of 2.75 in (70 mm) diameter. Following successful testing, production of the rocket was undertaken by Revere Copper and Brass.[1]
Operational use
The rockets were fired from 20-shot AN/ALE-25 rocket pods mounted on pylons under the wings of the B-52s. The pods were 13 feet (4.0 m) long and weighed 1,100 pounds (500 kg); the rockets could be fired manually or automatically upon detection of a threat. They were installed on the final 18 B-52H aircraft constructed; earlier B-52Gs and B-52Hs were retrofitted with the system.[2]
The ADR-8 and AN/ALE-25 were retired in September 1970,[1] replaced by the "Phase VI" electronic warfare suite.[2]
References
Citations
- Parsch 2005
- Dorr and Peacock 2000, p.52.
Bibliography
- Dorr, Robert F.; Peacock, Lindsay T. (2000). B-52 Stratofortress: Boeing's Cold War Warrior. Oxford, England, UK: Osprey Publishing. ISBN 978-1841760971.
- Parsch, Andreas (2005). "Revere (Tracor) RCU-2/ADR-8". Directory of U.S. Military Rockets and Missiles. designation-systems.net. Retrieved 2014-05-11.