Boeing 727 target drone carrier

[Antonio]

Pometablava is back to "research mode".

While diving into my magazine collection I found this enigmatic aircraft. At first sight I thought it was 727 Maritime Patrol or ASW but, after paying more attention, I see that it is not the case. The photo caption in the mag describes it as the Boeing 727M, a platform for long range missile launch but also configurable for other roles. The pic shows a powerful complement of missiles I can't identify, altough I have seen a similar configuration in some aerial targets.
BTW, it's my imagination or someone else can see the arrester hook?

I have found this info at Flaps magazine 1965, number 72, pg 119.

Anybody can add more info about the aircraft and its missiles?

Thanks a lot
Antonio

 

[elmayerle]

Arresting hook or just the aft stairway door replaced by something more useful for this role?

 

[Archibald]

I've modified the pic with powerpoint (enlarged and clearer, hope this is not illegal ???)

 

[starviking]

I've modified the pic with powerpoint (enlarged and clearer, hope this is not illegal ???)

Looks like a hook to me...

For arrested airfield landings, I hope!

Starviking

 

[dougsnow]

On the civilian B727, there is something on the bottom called the DB Cooper vane. The DB Cooper vane was a modification to the B727. It was a windmilling vane that, when there is airflow over the vane, will swing around and block the aft airstairs from deploying, so as to not permit a DB Cooper-esque hijacking again from going out the aft airstairs.

That is probably what you are seeing, the artists' impression of a B727, and he probably took a civilian version to model his - and after the DB Cooper hijacking, the vane named after him was added to the existing B727 fleet very fast, and added to all new production models as a standard item - not optional.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cooper_Vane

 

[Antonio]

Thanks a lot Dougsnow, it could be a possible explation.

(Although a carrier capable DC-9 COD project existed, it is difficult for me to imagine that B-727M Missiler landing on a carrier deck)

BTW, nobody has idea about the missile identity?

 

[Orionblamblam]

The pic shows a powerful complement of missiles I can't identify, altough I have seen a similar configuration in some aerial targets.

Looks like a Firebolt.

But I'm unaware of a use for them apart from as targets...

 

[Sferrin]

A minor nit but Firebolt was this guy (XAQM-81A), the primary difference being the replacement of the liquid motor with a hybrid one and double the weight. And three more feet on the length.

 

[Triton]

Artist's impression of Boeing 727 target drone carrier press photo found on eBay.

Source:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1965-Boeing-727-Target-Drone-Carrier-Press-Photo-/200794131575?pt=Art_Photo_Images&hash=item2ec0434c77

 

[circle-5]

Please merge with this topic. Thanks.

 

[XP67_Moonbat]

On this note, little something for your amusement:

http://foxtrotalpha.jalopnik.com/the-cia-proved-that-a-boeing-727-can-perform-air-drops-1566155708