The Hound Dog was an air-launched supersonic nuclear missile designed to destroy heavily defended ground targets. Specially modified B-52 bombers carried two AGM-28s, one beneath each wing. No AGM-28s were ever used in combat, but typically a Hound Dog would be launched at 45,000 feet, climb to over 56,000 feet, cruise to the target area, and then dive to the target. The missile's range of more than 600 miles allowed long-distance "stand-off" launching, which reduced the risk to the B-52.
The AGM-28A entered service with the Strategic Air Command (SAC) in December 1959. In 1960 SAC developed a method for using the missiles' jet engines to provide extra power for the B-52 carrier in flight or on takeoff. The missiles could then be refueled in flight from the bomber's fuel tanks.
The AGM-28B, an advanced version of the A, first flew in May 1961. It incorporated an improved guidance system and had greater range. Almost 700 AGM-28s were built before production ended in 1963; 428 of them were Bs. In 1976 the AGM-28 was removed from alert status, and the last Hound Dogs left the U.S. Air Force inventory in 1978. The AGM-28B on display was transferred to the museum in 1975.
TECHNICAL NOTES:
Armament: Thermonuclear warhead
Engine: One Pratt & Whitney J52 turbojet of 7,500 lbs. thrust
Cruising speed: 1,200 mph
Range: 785 miles
Operating altitude: 200 ft. to 56,200 ft.
Span: 12 ft. 2 in.
Length: 42 ft. 6 in.
Height: 9 ft. 4 in.
Weight: 10,147 lbs.
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