SKYBOLT RESTORATION PROJECT

The contract to restore the Skybolt XGAM-87 air-to-surface guided missile was awarded to Guard-Lee, Inc. of Apopka, Florida. This display was actually a mockup training aid of the Skybolt guided missile. As a flight -configured test component, the missile size, weight, and balance were carefully duplicated with a durable steel casing for flight and ground operational training. This particular Skybolt is thought to be the only remaining example of the B-52 air-launched tactical missile program conducted during 1961-1962 at the Air Force Missile Test Center, Cape Canaveral AFS. It was transferred from the U.S. Army Training Camp at Eglin AFB, Florida, to the Air Force Space Museum on 10 September 1964 in exchange for a Falcon missile.

This Skybolt remained on display in the "Rocket Garden" exhibit area of the Museum until it was removed for refurbishment on 2 December 2004. Restoration was completed at Guard Lee's facility in Apopka and the Skybolt returned to Cape Canaveral AFS on 6 June 2006.