aircraft as weapons platform

On Sep 12, 12:09*am, Ed Rasimus wrote:
On Thu, 11 Sep 2008 08:40:02 -0500, grasshopper

wrote:
Has any military experimented with vertically launching missiles from
the back of an aircraft for 360 degree targets?

Think missile sub concept......

The AGM-78 Standard ARM was programmable by the Weasel Bear and could
be directed toward emitters in any quadrant. On launch it *cleared the
aircraft forward then turned upward to apex at over 100,000 feet. In
about 90 seconds it would come back down and follow the programming to
the memorized location, re-acquiring the emitter in the process.

Was this to add a harassment or loiter capability, extend range or
allow a top view of the radar (aka the UK ALARM)?


Almost got hit by one on the way down during one mission.

Did you forget to turn?