History of XSM-73 Goose in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 28, 2026

The Fairchild XSM-73 Goose was a planned American subsonic, jet-powered decoy cruise missile developed in the 1950s. Intended to be launched from the ground during a strategic bomber attack, the XSM-73 would use inertial guidance, radar reflectors, and electronic countermeasures to mimic American bombers, overwhelming enemy air defenses. The program was initiated in 1952, with the XSM-73 being the development version. However, the project was canceled in 1958 after 15 test flights because the missile failed to adequately simulate a B-52 bomber on radar, and no operational deployment occurred.

December 1952: Fairchild concept studies begin

In December 1952, Fairchild started concept studies for a ground-launched long range decoy missile that could simulate strategic bombers on radar.

1952: Development Began

In 1952, development of the Fairchild SM-73 (Bull Goose) subsonic, jet-powered, long-range, ground-launched decoy cruise missile began with conceptual studies.

March 1953: USAF Released General Operational Requirement (GOR) 16

In March 1953, the United States Air Force released General Operational Requirement (GOR) 16 which called for a long range decoy missile to increase the effectiveness of Strategic Air Command bombers by confusing and saturating an air defense system.

July 1954: Study Contracts Awarded

In July 1954, the United States Air Force awarded study contracts to Convair and Fairchild under the project designation MX-2223.

November 1954: Engine Contracts Awarded

In November 1954, the USAF awarded two engine contracts to minimize development risk.

December 1955: Fairchild Awarded Weapon System Contract

In December 1955, Fairchild was awarded a contract to develop Weapon System 123A which included the SM-73 missile. American Machine and Foundry Company was responsible for the ground equipment, Ramo-Woodridge Corporation was responsible for electronic equipment, and Paul Omohundro Co who was responsible for airframe elements.

February 1957: Test and evaluation began

In February 1957, testing and evaluation commenced with rocket sled tests at Holloman Air Force Base for the SM-73 missile.

March 1957: First launches

Starting in March 1957, five dummy booster launches and fifteen test flights were conducted at Patrick Air Force Base.

June 1957: Testing transitioned to Patrick Air Force Base

In June 1957, SM-73 testing transitioned to Patrick Air Force Base. Launch complexes 21 and 22 were constructed near the Cape Canaveral Light to support testing.

1957: Fairchild J83 engine operating

By early 1957, the Fairchild J83 engine was operating. The XSM-73 was powered by the Fairchild J83 on all test flights but was also capable of using the General Electric J85.

August 1958: Construction of Bull Goose missile sites began

Construction of Bull Goose missile sites began in August 1958 at Duluth Municipal Airport, Minnesota and Ethan Allen Air Force Base, Vermont.

November 1958: Fairchild J83 engine program canceled

In November 1958, the Fairchild J83 engine program was also canceled. Total program cost at cancellation was $136.5 million USD.

December 1958: Program Cancellation

In December 1958, the XSM-73 program was canceled because the missile was unable to simulate a B-52 on radar.

December 1958: End of test flights

In December 1958, the test flights of the SM-73 ended at Patrick Air Force Base.

1958: Program Cancellation

In 1958, the XSM-73 program was canceled after 15 test flights, because the missile was unable to simulate a B-52 bomber on radar, preventing operational deployment.