White Sands Missile Range Other Missiles

The Vandal Target Program used obsolete Talos missiles, after the decommissioning of the Navy’s Talos ships, to provide a supersonic (Mach-2) target capable of flying at altitudes ranging from near surface level up to seventy thousand feet. These targets were first developed at WSMR and launched from Sulf Site in the 90 mile area and from Pony Site just west of Lake Lucero. Vandals were also launched from Wallops Island, VA and from Barking Sands, Kauai, HI. At WSMR, Vandals were engaged by Standard Missile, RAM, and by the High Energy Laser.

Photo from the George Helfrich Collection