United States Air Force Ground Launched Cruise Missiles: A Study in Technology,Concepts, and Deterrence

摘要

Although generally neglected by historians, USAF Ground Launched Cruise Missiles(GLCM) have made important contributions to US national security. The paper begins with a brief description of the German V-1, the first true operational GLCM. The balance of the paper traces the lineage of the three tactical, theater-based GLCMs that served with the US Air Force: The Martin TM-61 Matador, the Martin TM-76 Mace, and the General Dynamics BGM-109G Gryphon. Areas for a comparison and contrast assessment of these systems include the strategic setting, technological description (missile and support equipment), concepts of operation, operational history, phase out, and contributions to deterrence. Appendices, maps, figures, and photographs support the main body. The paper concludes that the first two systems (TM-61 and TM-76) possessed neither the technological sophistication nor sound concept of operations to make them truly effective weapons. Both deficiencies were rectified in the BGM-109G system. However, with conclusion of the Intermediate Range Nuclear Forces Treaty in December, 1987, this class of missiles will probably never be deployed again. Arms control initiatives removed them just when technology and sound operating concepts enabled the GLCM to be a potent deterrent.