March 7th, 2012
Do you know when and where these Matador launch photos were taken? The missile tail numbers are 40045, 40053 and 40065. Two of the original photos were marked “1959” on their back. The third was marked “1960”. If you can help, please send Russ an email. Thanks!
March 16th, 2012
Based on further investigation, these 3 Matador TM-61C launches took place at the Cape. Records indicate the following launch dates:
- 54-0045 on October 27th, 1959
- 54-0053 on December 9th, 1959
- 54-0065 on April 14th, 1960
From: John Hilliard
Sent: Wednesday, March 07, 2012
To: TAC Missileers
Subject: TAC Missileers “Contact Us” Submission – Matador Missiles
I have 3 Matador launch photos and am trying to determine the launch dates. Two of them have a 1959 date on the back of the photos and one 1960. The numbers on the missiles are 40045, 40053 & 40065. I believe they are TM-61C Matadors.
Maybe you can help?
I can send you the 3 photos if someone can help.
Thanks,
John R. Hilliard
From: TAC Missileers (Russ Reston)
Sent: Wednesday, March 07, 2012
To: John Hilliard
Subject: RE: TAC Missileers “Contact Us” Submission – Matador Missiles
Hi John,
Send me copies of the photos and I’ll post them on the website, asking if any of our members can identify the launch dates / locations.
Regards,
Russ
From: John Hilliard
Sent: Wednesday, March 07, 2012
To: TAC Missileers
I’m a volunteer at the 45th Space Wing/PA office and a volunteer at the Air Force Space & Missile Museum & History Center at Cape Canaveral AFS. I conduct tours of the Cape and KSC. Also a member of AAFM.
I am attempting to get a photo of every launch from the Cape and VAFB. I have questions on the Matador and the Lark missiles.
Attached are the 3 Matador photos.
Thanks,
John
Photo #1
Photo #2
Photo #3