The Muckleburgh Missile Collection

A range of missiles can be seen in the Museum which includes:

BRISTOL BLOODHOUND

The Bristol Bloodhound Mk 2 is a British surface-to-air missile developed during the 1950's as the UK's main air defence weapon. Radar controlled it could accurately destroy aircraft up to a height of almost 60,000 feet.

The missile comprises two ram jet engines and four solid fuel boosters which fall away when the ram jets take over. The Museum's missile came from RAF West Raynham in Norfolk and the launch unit from Switzerland.

RAPIER MK 1

The Rapier Mk1 and its successors has been the main British anti-aircraft weapon for over thirty years. It was successfully used in the Falklands and Middle East conflicts while later marks still remain in service today.

The system comprises separate launcher, tracking radar and power generator units. Missiles can hit a target at 10,000 feet in 15 seconds.

THUNDERBIRD MK2

Th English Electric Thunderbird was brought into use by the British Army in 1959 for destoying aircraft up to a height of 65,000 feet. It was fully mobile and was mainly located at bomber bases for defence during the Cold War until it was replaced by the Rapier missile in 1977.

It was launched using four solid fuelled rocket boosters which fell away with flight maintained by a single internal solid fuel motor. Guidance was provided by semi-active radar and controlling fins. Its warhead was of high explosive surrounded by rods which could destroy an aircraft by proximity.