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  Mcdonnell Douglas AIR-2A "Genie" rocket    
     
   
   
 
SPECIFICATIONS            Serial # :   
Span: 3 feet 4 inches Armament:  Nuclear warhead
Length:  9 feet, 8 inches Max. Speed:  2,100 mph
Diameter:  17.5 inches Range:  6.2 miles
Weight:  822 lbs. Service Ceiling:  50,000 feet
Engines:  Thiokol TU-289 solid propellant rocket motor of 36,000 lbs. thrust    
 
 
 
 
 
     
     
 

The AIR-2A Genie is an air-to-air rocket with a nuclear warhead designed for use against formations of enemy bombers. It has no guidance system and is powered by a solid propellant rocket motor. The AIR-2 (formerly known as the MB-1) was first test launched in 1956 and became operational in January 1957. On July 19, 1957, a Genie was launched at 18,000 feet from an F-89J interceptor and detonated over Yucca Flats, Nevada. It was the first and only test detonation of a U.S. nuclear-tipped air-to-air rocket.

The AIR-2A was carried primarily by F-89J, F-101B, and F-106A interceptor aircraft. Thousands were built for the USAF before production ended in 1962; they remained in service until the mid-1980s. A training version of the Genie with an inert rocket motor and no nuclear warhead, known as the ATR-2, was also in service. The Genie on display was originally received by the Museum as an ATR-2N. It is mounted on an MF-9 trailer for transport.

WR-ALC was responsible for management and logistics support for the Genie when it was in operational service. All AIR-2s have been retired.