RIM-8 Talos

Part of the "triple T series of" RIM-2 Terrier and RIM-24 Tartar, the RIM-8 Talos was a long-range surface-to-air missile of the U.S. Navy in the 1950s. The entire triple-T series has been replaced by the Standard SM missile series.

Ramjet powered, the Talos was launched and brought up to ramjet operating speed with a solid rocket engine. It could use a high explosive or nuclear warhead. Midcourse guidance was beam riding direct control, with semi-active radar homing for final attack. They were principally mounted on Albany class large missile cruisers.

It was the only missile used to shoot down enemy aircraft during the Vietnam War. An anti-radiation missile variant was also used, in combat, in Vietnam. The U.S. Air Force evaluated it as an interim replacement for the long-range CIM-10 Bomarc, a project transferred to the Army and then cancelled. Remaining Talos missiles were successfully converted to MQM-8 Vandal supersonic target drones.