Back to album

SA-2 Guideline Missile

Country of Origin: Union of Soviet Socialist Republics

 

Dimensions:

Overall (maximum): 34 ft. 6 in. long x 2 ft. 4 in. diameter x 7 ft. 3 in. wing span(1051.56 x 71.12 x 220.98cm)

Other (sustainer section): 1 ft. 7 in. diameter x 5 ft. 6 in. wing span(48.26 x 167.64cm)

Other (Trailer): 90 in. wide (228.6cm)

 

Materials:

Steel alloys and titanium

 

Developed by the Soviet Union, the SA-2 has been the most widely used air defense missile in the world. In the Soviet Union it was called the Dvina; in the West it was known by its NATO code name, SA-2 Guideline (SA meaning surface-to-air). SA-2s became operational in 1959 and were acquired by all Soviet client states. In 1960 an SA-2 downed the American U-2 spy plane piloted by Francis Gary Powers.

 

The SA-2 had a solid-fuel booster and a liquid-fuel second stage. Many countries made their own versions of the missile. This one, meant for export, is mounted on a transporter and required a separate launcher. SA-2s are still in use today. This object was donated to the Smithsonian in 1985 by the U.S. Navy.

 

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center Virginia

1,474 views
0 faves
1 comment
Uploaded on February 28, 2011
Taken on December 28, 2005