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Snark
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Snark

missile
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Quick Summary

The Snark was an early U.S. Air Force cruise missile program initiated in 1945. It was designed to deliver a substantial warhead over intercontinental distances, initially aiming for a 5,000-mile range with a 2,000-pound warhead. This ambitious project evolved into the "Super Snark" (Snark II) due to changing payload requirements and accuracy demands.

Despite incorporating a new jet engine later used in the B-52 bomber, the Snark was plagued by significant flight dynamics and control issues, leading to numerous test failures. Unpredictable fuel consumption also caused problems. However, improvements in anti-aircraft defenses and the development of lighter, higher-yield thermonuclear weapons made long-range missiles like the Snark more viable. An improved version was deployed in the late 1950s, but persistent unreliability and inaccuracy led to its deactivation in 1961.1

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3 Britannica Sources
  1. rocket and missile system - Snark
  2. AGM
  3. rocket and missile system - Air-to-surface

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