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Sounding rocket. Country: USA. Status: Active.

Series of large sounding rockets developed by Aerojet Space Data using the Talos booster, various upper stages, and Astrobee electronics.

From Aerojet - The Creative Company, 1995:

The Super Chief I used the Talos booster as the first stage and the Sergeant rocket as the second stage. Super Chief II also uses a Talos booster as first stage but uses Castor I as second stage. The Super Chief III variation used the larger Castor II as second stage. Super Chief could put 1500 pounds to an altitude of 120 miles. The booster had an imposing 115,930 lbf average thrust. The 31-inch body diameter and nearly 50 ft. length made the Super Chief a very imposing sounding rocket and one of the largest of the non-V2 sounding rockets.

Manufacturer: Aerojet. Launches: 31. Failures: 2. Success Rate: 93.55%. First Launch Date: 1974-03-17. Last Launch Date: 2007-06-15. Launch data is: continuing. Version:

Super Chief II. Status: Retired 1974.

Two stage vehicle consisting of 1 x Talos + 1 x Castor

Launches: 1. First Launch Date: 1974-03-17. Last Launch Date: 1974-03-17. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). Liftoff Thrust: 516.000 kN (116,001 lbf). Total Mass: 4,700 kg (10,300 lb). Core Diameter: 0.76 m (2.49 ft). Total Length: 14.70 m (48.20 ft).

  • Stage1: 1 x Talos-1. Gross Mass: 1,500 kg (3,300 lb). Motor: 1 x Talos Mk 11 Mod 2. Thrust (vac): 516.000 kN (116,001 lbf). Burn time: 5.20 sec. Length: 3.40 m (11.10 ft). Diameter: 0.76 m (2.49 ft). Propellants: Solid.
  • Stage2: 1 x Castor 1. Gross Mass: 3,852 kg (8,492 lb). Empty Mass: 535 kg (1,179 lb). Motor: 1 x M33-20-4. Thrust (vac): 286.001 kN (64,296 lbf). Isp: 247 sec. Burn time: 27 sec. Length: 5.92 m (19.42 ft). Diameter: 0.79 m (2.59 ft). Propellants: Solid.
Version:

Talos Castor. Status: Active.

Two stage sounding rocket consisting of 1 x Talos booster + 1 x Castor

Launches: 9. First Launch Date: 1976-11-19. Last Launch Date: 2007-06-15. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi). Liftoff Thrust: 0 N ( lbf). Total Mass: 8,200 kg (18,000 lb). Core Diameter: 0.76 m (2.49 ft). Total Length: 16.90 m (55.40 ft).

  • Stage1: 1 x Talos-1. Gross Mass: 1,500 kg (3,300 lb). Motor: 1 x Talos Mk 11 Mod 2. Thrust (vac): 516.000 kN (116,001 lbf). Burn time: 5.20 sec. Length: 3.40 m (11.10 ft). Diameter: 0.76 m (2.49 ft). Propellants: Solid.
  • Stage2: 1 x Castor 1. Gross Mass: 3,852 kg (8,492 lb). Empty Mass: 535 kg (1,179 lb). Motor: 1 x M33-20-4. Thrust (vac): 286.001 kN (64,296 lbf). Isp: 247 sec. Burn time: 27 sec. Length: 5.92 m (19.42 ft). Diameter: 0.79 m (2.59 ft). Propellants: Solid.
Version:

Talos Sergeant Hydac. Status: Retired 1988.

Three stage sounding rocket consisting of 1 x Talos booster + 1 x Sergeant + 1 x Hydac

Launches: 8. Failures: 1. First Launch Date: 1976-11-15. Last Launch Date: 1988-03-07. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). Liftoff Thrust: 0 N ( lbf). Total Mass: 6,100 kg (13,400 lb). Core Diameter: 0.76 m (2.49 ft). Total Length: 17.30 m (56.70 ft).

  • Stage1: 1 x Talos-1. Gross Mass: 1,500 kg (3,300 lb). Motor: 1 x Talos Mk 11 Mod 2. Thrust (vac): 516.000 kN (116,001 lbf). Burn time: 5.20 sec. Length: 3.40 m (11.10 ft). Diameter: 0.76 m (2.49 ft). Propellants: Solid.
  • Stage2: 1 x Sergeant. Gross Mass: 42 kg (92 lb). Empty Mass: 21 kg (46 lb). Motor: 1 x Sergeant. Thrust (vac): 6.660 kN (1,497 lbf). Isp: 235 sec. Burn time: 6.00 sec. Length: 1.00 m (3.20 ft). Diameter: 0.30 m (0.98 ft). Propellants: Solid.
  • Stage3: 1 x Talos Sergeant Hydac-3. Gross Mass: 300 kg (660 lb). Motor: 1 x Hydac. Thrust (vac): 58.700 kN (13,196 lbf). Length: 3.70 m (12.10 ft). Diameter: 0.23 m (0.75 ft). Propellants: Solid.
Version:

HPB. Status: Retired 1993.

Two stage vehicle consisting of 1 x Talos + 1 x M56A1

Launches: 6. Failures: 1. First Launch Date: 1990-01-30. Last Launch Date: 1993-02-11. Apogee: 400 km (240 mi). Liftoff Thrust: 0 N ( lbf). Total Mass: 9,100 kg (20,000 lb). Core Diameter: 0.76 m (2.49 ft). Total Length: 14.40 m (47.20 ft).

  • Stage1: 1 x Talos-1. Gross Mass: 1,500 kg (3,300 lb). Motor: 1 x Talos Mk 11 Mod 2. Thrust (vac): 516.000 kN (116,001 lbf). Burn time: 5.20 sec. Length: 3.40 m (11.10 ft). Diameter: 0.76 m (2.49 ft). Propellants: Solid.
  • Stage2: 1 x M56. Gross Mass: 5,170 kg (11,390 lb). Empty Mass: 466 kg (1,027 lb). Motor: 1 x M56A-1. Thrust (vac): 228.400 kN (51,346 lbf). Isp: 297 sec. Burn time: 60 sec. Length: 3.96 m (12.99 ft). Diameter: 1.13 m (3.70 ft). Propellants: Solid.
Version:

Starbird. Test vehicle. Status: Retired 1990.

Four stage vehicle consisting of 1 x Talos + 1 x Sergeant + 1 x Orbus 1 + 1 x Orbus 1

Launches: 1. First Launch Date: 1990-12-18. Last Launch Date: 1990-12-18. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). Liftoff Thrust: 0 N ( lbf). Total Mass: 7,400 kg (16,300 lb). Core Diameter: 0.76 m (2.49 ft). Total Length: 17.50 m (57.40 ft).

  • Stage1: 1 x Talos-1. Gross Mass: 1,500 kg (3,300 lb). Motor: 1 x Talos Mk 11 Mod 2. Thrust (vac): 516.000 kN (116,001 lbf). Burn time: 5.20 sec. Length: 3.40 m (11.10 ft). Diameter: 0.76 m (2.49 ft). Propellants: Solid.
  • Stage2: 1 x Sergeant. Gross Mass: 42 kg (92 lb). Empty Mass: 21 kg (46 lb). Motor: 1 x Sergeant. Thrust (vac): 6.660 kN (1,497 lbf). Isp: 235 sec. Burn time: 6.00 sec. Length: 1.00 m (3.20 ft). Diameter: 0.30 m (0.98 ft). Propellants: Solid.
  • Stage3: 1 x Starbird-4. Gross Mass: 500 kg (1,100 lb). Empty Mass: 50 kg (110 lb). Motor: 1 x Orbus 1. Thrust (vac): 88.000 kN (19,783 lbf). Length: 1.20 m (3.90 ft). Diameter: 0.70 m (2.29 ft). Propellants: Solid.
  • Stage4: 1 x Starbird-4. Gross Mass: 500 kg (1,100 lb). Empty Mass: 50 kg (110 lb). Motor: 1 x Orbus 1. Thrust (vac): 88.000 kN (19,783 lbf). Length: 1.20 m (3.90 ft). Diameter: 0.70 m (2.29 ft). Propellants: Solid.
Version:

Space Data LCLV. Manufacturer's Designation: r.

Three stage vehicle consisting of 1 x Talos + 1 x Sergeant + 1 x M57A1

Apogee: 400 km (240 mi). Liftoff Thrust: 0 N ( lbf). Total Mass: 6,900 kg (15,200 lb). Core Diameter: 0.76 m (2.49 ft). Total Length: 16.50 m (54.10 ft). Flyaway Unit Cost $: 40.000 million. in: 1985 unit dollars.

  • Stage1: 1 x Talos-1. Gross Mass: 1,500 kg (3,300 lb). Motor: 1 x Talos Mk 11 Mod 2. Thrust (vac): 516.000 kN (116,001 lbf). Burn time: 5.20 sec. Length: 3.40 m (11.10 ft). Diameter: 0.76 m (2.49 ft). Propellants: Solid.
  • Stage2: 1 x Sergeant. Gross Mass: 42 kg (92 lb). Empty Mass: 21 kg (46 lb). Motor: 1 x Sergeant. Thrust (vac): 6.660 kN (1,497 lbf). Isp: 235 sec. Burn time: 6.00 sec. Length: 1.00 m (3.20 ft). Diameter: 0.30 m (0.98 ft). Propellants: Solid.
  • Stage3: 1 x Hera-2. Gross Mass: 1,900 kg (4,100 lb). Empty Mass: 300 kg (660 lb). Motor: 1 x M57A1. Thrust (vac): 76.000 kN (17,085 lbf). Burn time: 59 sec. Length: 2.10 m (6.80 ft). Diameter: 0.97 m (3.18 ft). Propellants: Solid.
Super Chief Chronology

1974 March 17 - 19:02 GMT - Wallops Island -. Extreme ultraviolet Airglow Aeronomy mission Agency: NRL. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi).

1976 November 15 - 03:18 GMT - Poker Flat -. Talos Sergeant Hydac DNA TE634.52-1 Ballistics test Agency: DNA. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi).

1976 November 19 - 04:06 GMT - Poker Flat -. Talos Castor DNA EX651.92-1 EXCEDE Plasma mission Agency: DNA. Apogee: 300 km (180 mi).

1977 September 28 - 15:33 GMT - Poker Flat -. Talos Castor DNA IC733.03-1 SPIRE I Infrared background mission Agency: DNA. Apogee: 275 km (170 mi).

1978 February 28 - 11:44 GMT - Poker Flat -. Talos Sergeant Hydac DNA WS834.55-1 Ballistics test Agency: DNA. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi).

1978 October 29 - 05:02 GMT - Poker Flat -. Talos Castor DNA EX851.44-1 EXCEDE 1 Active plasma mission Agency: USAF GL. Apogee: 137 km (85 mi).

1979 October 19 - 05:46 GMT - Poker Flat -. Talos Castor GL A51.970 EXCEDE 2 (SPECTRAL) Active plasma mission Agency: USAF GL. Apogee: 128 km (79 mi).

1983 March 19 - 06:29 GMT - Poker Flat -. Talos Castor GL A51.971 ELIAS Aeronomy / aurora mission Agency: USAF GL. Apogee: 305 km (189 mi).

1983 December 16 - 16:00 GMT - Poker Flat -. HAVE SLED II Target mission Agency: USAF BMO. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi).

1984 January 26 - 15:52 GMT - Poker Flat -. HAVE SLED II Target mission Agency: USAF BMO. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi).

1984 February 2 - 15:36 GMT - Poker Flat -. HAVE SLED II Target mission Agency: USAF BMO. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi).

1986 April 8 - 09:42 GMT - Poker Flat -. Talos Castor GL A51.378 SPIRIT I Aeronomy mission Agency: USAF GL. Apogee: 241 km (149 mi).

1987? - Kwajalein RN. HAVE JEEP VII-A Target mission Agency: ASMS. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi).

1988? - Kwajalein RN. HAVE JEEP VII-C Target mission Agency: ASMS. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi).

1988 March 7 - Kwajalein RN. FAILURE: Failure. HAVE JEEP VII-B Target mission Agency: ASMS. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi).

1990 January 30 - 21:22 GMT - Wallops Island -. HPB GL A26.804 TM2-1 test Agency: OSC. Apogee: 422 km (262 mi).

1990 December 18 - 03:37 GMT - Cape Canaveral LC20. LACE UVPI Target Target mission Agency: OSC. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

1991 February 6 - 07:29 GMT - Wallops Island -. Target / active plasma mission Agency: OSC. Apogee: 510 km (310 mi).

1991 April 12 - Wallops Island -. HPB Firebird 1 Target / decoys mission Agency: OSC. Apogee: 400 km (240 mi).

1991 September 4 - 05:50 GMT - Barking Sands -. Talos Castor ZEST-1 Tungsten dust cloud Target/Release mission Agency: Sandia. Apogee: 330 km (200 mi). Tungsten dust release for SDIO.

1991 September 12 - 05:41 GMT - Barking Sands -. Talos Castor ZEST-2 Target / release mission Agency: Sandia. Apogee: 330 km (200 mi). Tungsten dust release for SDIO.

1992 March 29 - 08:07 GMT - Poker Flat -. HPB SPIRIT-2 Infrared background mission Agency: OSC. Apogee: 400 km (240 mi).

1992 April 15 - 09:09 GMT - Wallops Island -. HPB Firebird 1B Target / decoys mission Agency: OSC. Apogee: 450 km (270 mi).

1993 January 28 - Wake Island -. HPB TCMP 1B Re-entry Vehicle test Agency: OSC. Apogee: 400 km (240 mi).

1993 February 11 - Wake Island -. HPB TCMP 1C? FAILURE: Failure. Re-entry Vehicle test Agency: OSC. Apogee: 2.00 km (1.20 mi).

1993 May 23 - 09:17 GMT - Cape Canaveral LC20. LCLV Red Tigress 2A Target mission Agency: SDIO. Apogee: 378 km (234 mi).

1993 May 28 - 08:34 GMT - Cape Canaveral LC20. LCLV Red Tigress 2B Target mission Agency: SDIO. Apogee: 390 km (240 mi).

1996 October 16 - 10:41 GMT - Wallops Island -. LCLV Red Tigress 3 Target mission Agency: BMDO. Apogee: 400 km (240 mi).

1997 February 12 - 21:00 GMT - Wallops Island -. LCLV MSX CEP 1 MDT IV Target mission Agency: OSC. Apogee: 400 km (240 mi).

1997 February 23 - 10:06 GMT - Wallops Island -. LCLV MSX CEP 2 MDT III Target mission Agency: OSC. Apogee: 400 km (240 mi).

2007 June 15 - 02:45 GMT - Woomera -. HYCAUSE test Agency: DSTO. Apogee: 530 km (320 mi).

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