High Virgo

High Virgo
High Virgo missile on B-58 launch aircraft
Type	Air-launched ballistic missile
Place of origin	United States
Service history
In service	1958–1959
Used by	United States Air Force
Production history
Designed	1958
Manufacturer	Lockheed Corporation
Number built	4
Specifications (WS-199C)
Weight	12,000 pounds (5,400 kg)
Length	30 feet 4 inches (9.25 m)
Diameter	31 inches (790 mm)
Engine	Thiokol TX-20 50,000 lbf (222 kN)
Propellant	Solid fuel
Operational range	185 miles (298 km)
Flight ceiling	250,000 feet (76,000 m)+
Boost time	29 seconds
Speed	Mach 6
Guidance system	Inertial guidance
Launch platform	Convair B-58 Hustler

The High Virgo, also known as Weapons System 199C (WS-199C), was a prototype air-launched ballistic missile (ALBM) jointly developed by Lockheed and the Convair division of General Dynamics during the late 1950s. The missile proved moderately successful and aided in the development of the later GAM-87 Skybolt ALBM; in addition, it was used in early test of anti-satellite weapons.

As part of the WS-199 project to develop new strategic weapons for the United States Air Force's Strategic Air Command, the Lockheed Corporation and the Convair division of General Dynamics proposed the development of an air-launched ballistic missile, to be carried by the Convair B-58 Hustler supersonic medium bomber. In early 1958 the two companies were awarded a contract for development of the weapon, designated WS-199C and given the code-name "High Virgo". While the project was intended to be strictly a research-and-development exercise, it was planned that the weapon would be quickly capable of being developed into an operational system if required.

The High Virgo missile was a single-stage weapon, powered by a solid-fueled Thiokol TX-20 rocket, and was equipped an advanced inertial guidance system derived from that of the AGM-28 Hound Dog cruise missile. Four tailfins in a cruciform arrangement provided directional control. The missile was developed by Lockheed, utilising components developed for several existing missiles in order to reduce the cost of the project, and also to reduce the development time required, while Convair was responsible for development of a pylon for carriage and launching of the missile from the prototype B-58, the pylon replacing the aircraft's normal weapons pod.