Lakeroadster's Douglas AIR-2 Genie

[lakeroadster]

This AIR-2 Genie ( 'Air Intercept Rocket') will be my first scale build since I built an Estes Honest John back in 1977.

This is a scratch build, not a kit. I'm not a huge fan of copying another design, but this one is a bit off the beaten path, and what's not to like about an unguided nuke, that launches from a fighter jet.

"The Douglas AIR-2 Genie was an unguided air-to-air rocket with a 1.5 kt W25 nuclear warhead. It was deployed by the United States Air Force (USAF 1957–1985) and Canada (Royal Canadian Air Force 1965–68, Air Command 1968–84) during the Cold War. Production ended in 1962 after over 3,000 were made, with some related training and test derivatives being produced later."

More information here: AIR-2 Genie



I created a scale CAD model using the photo below. The rocket is based on a BT-80H for the center tube. Once I had dimensional data, I loaded the geometry into Open Rocket. Not surprisingly OR shows this to be a be a stable bird.

 

[krislhull]

Now that will be a fun build! I have always loved the Genie…

Fun fact, the F-89 that launched the only live nuclear test of the missile is now on display outside the gate to the Montana ANG base in Great Falls

 

[ThirstyBarbarian]

When you fly this, can I be one of the lucky guys standing at ground zero directly below the nuclear blast? It looks like a real hoot!

 

[Johnly]

When you fly this, can I be one of the lucky guys standing at ground zero directly below the nuclear blast? It looks like a real hoot!

Where are you going to find SPF1,000,000 these days?

 

[Raptor 2]

The fins look complicated......3D printed? Nose cone also curves back to the main tube. 3D printed also?

 

[lakeroadster]

The fins look complicated......3D printed? Nose cone also curves back to the main tube. 3D printed also?

I'll make the nose cone on our wood lathe, and the fins out of basswood... just as late 1950's God's Of Thrust & Nuclear Destruction intended.

 

[lakeroadster]

When you fly this, can I be one of the lucky guys standing at ground zero directly below the nuclear blast? It looks like a real hoot!

Here area a few more video's on the MB-1/AIR-2 ‘Genie’.. a.k.a. "The Dumb Dumb", "The Ding Dong" and "The High Card", InCanada it was referred to as "The Blivet".

The MB-1 'Genie' - The USAF's Unguided Air-To-Air Nuke - YouTube​

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AIR-2 Genie | air-to-air Nuclear missile - YouTube​

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Cabinet of Curiosities SPECIAL: AIR-2 Genie - YouTube​

 

[PeterAlway]

Here's a drawing based on some Douglas drawings, along with some measurements of museum artifacts by Chris Timm. I published this in "Selected USAF Missiles of the Cold War," which you can find at eRockets, ASP, and ARA Press:




The STA numbers indicate distance behind a reference plane just in front of the nose tip (possibly the theoretical tip of the nose if it weren't rounded off).

 

[lakeroadster]

Made some progress building the CAD Assembly today.

 

[Raptor 2]

The fins would be a challenge for me. Looking forward to seeing the finished product.

 

[rocketguy101]

There was an article about the Genie in the Mar 1969 Model Rocketry Magazine ... Nice work!

edit: if that link gives you a security warning, I got it from Ninfinger's site

 

[boomtube-mk2]

Fun fact, the F-89 that launched the only live nuclear test of the missile is now on display outside the gate to the Montana ANG base in Great Falls

The pilot who flew that F-89 that launched the only live test of the missile is still with us, currently he is stationed at Area51 where his four arms, three eyes and healthy green glow helps when dealing with "The Aliens".

 

[lakeroadster]

Drawing Package - Post One of Two
Rev 01: 2022-02-26

 

[lakeroadster]

Drawing Package - Post Two of Two
Rev 01: 2022-02-26

 

[Raptor 2]

 

[Ez2cDave]

A few GENIE pics . . . I have a TON more.

Dave F.

 

[lakeroadster]

Thanks @Ez2cDave

 

[Mugs914]

Awesome stuff as always, Dave!!

 

[Mugs914]

There was an article about the Genie in the Mar 1969 Model Rocketry Magazine ... Nice work!

edit: if that link gives you a security warning, I got it from Ninfinger's site

Nice article, though I did chuckle a bit at the part in the drawing called out as the "guidance section"...

 

[Ez2cDave]

Thanks @Ez2cDave

You have a "PM" ( Private Message ) . . .

Dave F.

 

[mitchboese]

Drawing Package - Post Two of Two
Rev 01: 2022-02-26

View attachment 506648 View attachment 506649 View attachment 506650

You should make as a kit. I'd buy!

 

[ThirstyBarbarian]

The basic shape of the Genie looks similar to a LOC Minie Magg. The Genie has a lot of interesting details the Magg does not have, but it seems like maybe you could kitbash something similar from a Magg kit.

 

[lakeroadster]

The basic shape of the Genie looks similar to a LOC Minie Magg. The Genie has a lot of interesting details the Magg does not have, but it seems like maybe you could kitbash something similar from a Magg kit.

The nose is the issue. The Genie has a Ho-Jo'ish oversized nose cone. Maybe if the Minnie Magg Body Tube could be downsized...

 

[lakeroadster]

Taking a fresh look at this rocket and made some revisions that should make it a bit easier to fabricate.

​

 

[lakeroadster]

Oh, I almost forgot... changed to a single long launch lug instead of two. Not a fan of two lugs due to "Rod Whip".

 

[Daddyisabar]

Oh, I almost forgot... changed to a single long launch lug instead of two. Not a fan of two lugs due to "Rod Whip".

Don't blame the lugs for rod whip! It is not thier fault!

One time I had some rod whip. I told the Top Men "It was the rod's fault! I am pure and innocent !" They did not believe me. I was crushed. SOME PEOPLE SAY THERE'S A THIN ROD TO BLAME, BUT I KNOW, IT'S MY OWN DARN FAULT!

What causes the dreaded Rod whip? It can't be the builder/flier! Love that heavy bulletproofing with big motors! Mods rule! I used the kit supplied launch lugs cause I can't do buttons. Darn hard to get dem fins on straight. My six foot 1/2" stainless rod is still on order! DANG IT! I JUST DON'T GET IT! The answer?: Ban those dangerous rods! RSO protect me!

 

[lakeroadster]

Drawings Set...

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[mikeyd]

I like the looks, and your explanations of the build.