Vintage Topping Model USAF B-61 Martin Matador Missile

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Vintage Topping Model USAF B-61 Martin Matador Missile:
$99.00

This is a Topping Model of the USAF B-61 Martin Matador tactical missile from the 1950\'s. The missile itself is about 10\" long with a wingspan of 7\". The launch trailer is about 9-1/2\" long.

The missile and launch trailer are plastic. Condition is good. All the parts are here and are intact. The decals are in excellent condition with the exception of a little flaking in the \"Martin Matador\" decal one side of the nose cone - see photos. Note that there is a crack in the nose cone - see photos.

This model breaks down into several pieces: the nose cone, wings, tail cone, vertical stabilizer, tail \"wings\", the underside intake panel, and the booster rocket. Inside the tail cone is a model of the Allison jet engine. Inside the intake panel is the control box.

This item has been in storage for well over 50 years. Itis from the estate of my father who enlisted in 1942 and retired as a Colonel in the United States Air Force in 1964. He was stationed at the Pentagon between 1956 and 1960 where he worked on the development and deployment of America\'s ICBM program.

Watch for future listings for other Topping Model items and more from this collection.

The Matador was a surface-to-surface tactical missile designed to carry a conventional or nuclear warhead. Originally designated as the B-61, the USAF\'s first \"pilotless bomber,\" it was similar in concept to the German V-1 (Buzz Bomb) of World War II. The Matador was launched by a booster rocket from mobile 40-foot trailer and was controlled electronically from the ground during flight. Immediately after launch, the booster rocket fell away and the missile continued on course to its target powered by its jet engine.

Development of the Matador began in August 1945, and the XB-61 was first launched on January 19, 1949. Operational TM-61\'s, which later followed, were the first tactical guided missiles in the USAF inventory.