McDonnell ADM-20 Quail Decoy

[IC2720]

When I was in the Air Force, the Quail that were being loaded onto the B52's were covered with a tarp while in transport, and taken across the runways as far as possible from the base perimeter fence. On the other hand, the nukes would be convoyed around airfield which took them right past the highway running along side the base, with no cover on them. I always thought that was a bit odd.

[hardwirecars]

may be for some secrecy, every one knows a b52 carrys a nuke in its payload but i bet no one knew it had that little guy (and thats probly how the gov wanted it)

[rhblakeman]

@hardwirecars Even if the B-52 had a conventional load on it kept the plane from being tracked properly by radar, preventing radar guided SAM (surface to air) missiles from taking the B-52 out and not delivering it's payload. Newer bombers have radar reducing or stealthing technology now but the B-52 shows up like a thunderstorm on a weather radar. Reflects radar as well as the old buffed aluminum ones reflected the sun.

[rhblakeman]

@IC2720 When the AGM-129A Advanced Cruise Missile first came out it had visual security and we had disfiguring covers that had to be on it whenever it was outside the secure areas, even the training missiles at the base I taught the systems at as a technical instructor. Since the technology back then for the Quail being compromised might allow the Soviets to get the upper hand with a similar system they likely covered them for visual reasons. The TU-95 Bear could make use of the same decoy tech.

[jasong19711]

I cannot believe that some conspiracy idiot has not posted "this is what hit the towers on 9-11" as they do under most missile videos!

lmao!

[rhblakeman]

Quail has been out of service for decades now since the last was deactivated in 12/78 and the maintenance crews were retrained into other missile fields - I worked with quite a few ex-Quail troops when I was in tactical missiles till 81. The few remaining are gutted display missiles. A Quail is only about 1200 lbs fueled so it really wouldn't / couldn't do the same as an airliner.

[jasong19711]

True

but Conspiracy Theory fanatics rarely operate

on facts!