| Private A |

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| Type |
experimental[1] step rocket |
| Place of origin |
United States |
| Production history |
| Manufacturer |
GALCIT |
| Specifications |
|
| Propellant |
solid fuel |
Operational
range |
10 miles (16.1 km) |
| Speed |
maximum: |
Guidance
system |
fin-stabilized[1] |
Launch
platform |
rail-type launcher[1]
Launch sites:
|
The Private was the first U.S. step rocket,[2] combining a Tiny Tim rocket and a 30AS-1000C JATO unit.[1] Tsien Hsue-shen was the JPL section leader who directed research for the Private A.[3]
The Private preceded the MGM-5 Corporal surface-to-surface missile.
Timeline for the Private (missile)
- January 1943: Major General Barnes requested the Cal Tech group proceed[4] on the ORDCIT Project,[1] which named their first rocket Private A. [4]
- December 1-16, 1944: Private A test launches (24) were conducted at Leach Spring on Camp Irwin. [4]
- April 1-13, 1945: Private F (a Private A with wings)[1] test launches (17) were conducted by JPL employees[5]at Hueco Range on Ft Bliss[4] (all Private Ftest round went into a tailspin.)[1]
References and Notes
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