ORIOLE
In an effort to develop a long- range (25 miles) active homing air-to-air missile system the ORIOLE project was established in 1947. In 1948, the project was stopped as a missile project but allowed to continue as a guidance development program. However, it was soon discovered that this was not practical, and a small- scale design study of the missile and guidance was carried on. In 1950, the ORIOLE was reactivated as a research test vehicle. The program came to NAMTC the same year and in October 1951 was re designated as an experimental air -to -air missile. By the time the ORIOLE began its test program, the specifications had been redefined to a missile capable of use against targets at ranges of five nautical miles, such targets to be capable of speeds up to Mach 0.9 . The flight test program involved fifty-six ORIOLE plus three dummy missile launches. In addition, NAMTC performed roll balance tests ( to determine the magnitude of the rolling moments that were encountered during launching) , restrained firings and ignition shock tests , missile break- up theoretical studies, aerodynamic evaluations of the airframe, and environmental evaluations.
