Del Mar Engineering Laboratories presents “Supersonic Weapons Training Systems,” a color film providing information on such missiles as the Sidewinder, Falcon, and Sparrow III. A company spokesman opens the film by explaining how Del Mar Engineering worked with US Air Force officials to develop various missiles including those used on the North American F-86D Sabre (mark 01:02). Before long, all branches of the military began employing some type of Del Mar system. Modern interceptor aircraft (mark 02:34) like the F-100 Super Sabre and F-104 Starfighter, use Sidewinder missiles while the F-102 Delta Dagger or F-106 Delta Dart employ Falcons. The narrator goes on to explain the basic components of then company’s supersonic weapons systems and its radar reflectivity, followed by a discussion of the company’s Model DX-6A Supersonic Tow Reel (starting at mark 05:00), footage of the Vought F8U Crusader single-engine supersonic jet aircraft in flight (starting at mark 05:25), and a detailed explanation of the construction and use of some of the targets they created. At mark 10:07 the film begins an explanation of two models Del Mar Reel Launchers, with footage accompanying each step of the narration. At mark 11:20, we see an F-100 in flight and fitted with a weapons training system that is then demonstrated, followed by similar footage of an F4H Phantom. “A joint problem of the free world nations is to maintain an ever ready vigil against a possible aerial attack,” the narrator remarks beginning at mark 14:28. “We have the weapons to deter such an attack.”
Del Mar Engineering Laboratories was originally established in 1952 by Bruce Del Mar, who led the development of aircraft cabin pressurization systems, helping make possible today’s commercial aircraft industry. By the mid-1960s, the company had become a leading U.S. Defense Department prime contractor in the development and production of aerial tow target systems for weapons training, and instrumented ground targets for scoring air-to-ground automatic weapons delivery. It also produced helicopter target drones and helicopter flight trainers for the U.S. Army. The company exists today as Del Mar Avionics.
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This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com
