B-47 Stratojet Association


Chapter 12


The YDB-47E


YDB-47E

 

 

Two B-47Es (51-5219/5220) were completed in January of 1954 as YDB-47Es for service tests with the Bell GAM-63 Rascal air-to-surface missile. The missile was suspended from the starboard side of the fuselage behind the wing. After the missile was released, it was guided to the target by radio control from the parent YDB-47E. These modifications resulted in a model number change to 450-167-50. 

 

The GAM-63 missile was powered by a Bell-designed liquid-fueled rocket engine made up of three vertical in-line thrust chambers and developing a thrust of 4000 pounds. It had a launch weight of about 13,000 pounds and was 31 feet long with a body diameter of four feet. At a top speed of Mach 2.95, the missile could carry a 3000 pound nuclear warhead up to 100 miles. 

 

The Rascal concept rapidly became obsolete in the face of new developments in the field of air-launched missiles. The Rascal program was formally canceled on September 9, 1958.  

 

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