BAC Bloodhound
surface-to-air missile
The Bloodhound missile system provided the RAF with an effective ground-to-air interception capability for 32 years, until its retirement in 1991.
Originally designed to deal with high altitude intruders, this system was also capable of tackling low flying targets. The Bloodhound's ability to home in on radar-jamming signal from the intruder, as well as its large proximity-fused high-explosive warhead, made it a lethal element in the defence of UK airspace.
The missile is displayed here in the markings of No 85 Squadron, who operated the Bloodhound from late 1975.
Clustered around the main body of the missile can be seen the four solid-rocket boosters - each with a large fin at its base - and two large 'Thor' rakjets, which powered the missile to its target at twice the speed of sound.