Bendix SAM-N-9/RIM-55 Typhon MR
The SAM-N-9 Typhon MR was the medium-range missile component of the Typhon system. For general information about the Typhon program, see the page about the SAM-N-8/RIM-50 Typhon LR.
Typhon MR didn't progress beyond the design stage. It was intended to use a modified RIM-24 Tartar airframe, but as far as I'm aware, no actual Typhon MR missiles were built. Maximum line-of-sight range of the SAM-N-9 was to be 46 km (25 nm) at 15000 m (50000 ft), and minimum effective range and altitude were 2700 m (3000 yds) and 15 m (50 ft), respectively.
The whole Typhon program was cancelled in December 1963, shortly after the new designation RIM-55A had been assigned to Typhon MR.
Specifications
Note: Data given by several sources show slight variations. Figures given below may therefore be inaccurate!
Data for RIM-55A (for missile based on Tartar airframe):
| Length | 4.72 m (15 ft 6 in) |
| Wingspan | 0.61 m (24 in) |
| Finspan | 1.07 m (42.3 in) |
| Diameter | 0.34 m (13.5 in) |
| Weight | 770 kg (1700 lb) |
| Speed | Mach 4.0 |
| Ceiling | 27400 m (90000 ft) |
| Range | 75 km (40 nm) |
| Propulsion | Solid-fueled rocket motor |
| Warhead | 68 kg (150 lb) HE warhead |
Main Sources
[1] Norman Friedman: "US Naval Weapons", Conway Maritime Press, 1983
[2] Bill Gunston: "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Rockets and Missiles", Salamander Books Ltd, 1979
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Last Updated: 30 September 2001