About the AIM-47A

     In 1958 Hughes began work on the GAR-9 a larger version of its successful Falcon air-to-air missile. It was to be part of a whole weapon system for the US Air Force’s F-108 Rapier, an interceptor designed to fly faster than Mach 3. After the Rapier project was cancelled, the Air Force turned to the A-12 spy plane (an early version of the famous SR-71), developing the YF-12A variant to shoot down supersonic bombers. This aircraft would carry the GAR-9, renamed the AIM-47A

The first GAR-9 flew from the ground in August of 1961 to test the motor. The Air Force launched AIM-47A’s from the YF-12A beginning in 1964. Several successfully intercepted target drones at ranges of up to 130 miles. The 800-lb missile could travel as fast as Mach 6.

In 1968 the YF-12A was cancelled, and so was the AIM-47A. However, the missile served as the basis for the AIM-54 Phoenix.

1:8.25 scale model of the air-to-air missile designed for the YF-12A

 Laser-cut basswood fins

Laser-slotted body tube

 Standard rail buttons

 Accurate balsa nose cone profile

 18" plastic parachute recovery

  Scale data and photo prints included

Diameter: 1.637"
Length: 18.25"
Weight: 7.36 oz
Recommended engines: D12-3 and E9-4