Sorties AD906: Decoy (B-52G / AQM-20)

Sorties AD906: Decoy (B-52G / AQM-20)-10

Sorties AD906: Decoy (B-52G / AQM-20)

The ADM-20 Quail was a Cold War air-launched decoy missile developed by McDonnell Aircraft to help B-52 Stratofortress crews penetrate Soviet air defenses. Entering service in the early 1960s, the Quail was carried internally by the B-52 and released ahead of or alongside a bomber strike force. After launch, a small turbojet engine powered it along a programmed flight path designed to imitate the radar signature and behavior of a B-52. Its purpose was deception: to create false bomber targets, confuse radar operators, dilute interceptor and surface-to-air missile defenses, and improve the real bomber’s chance of reaching its target. Although the Quail was eventually outpaced by improving Soviet radar and identification systems, it remains a fascinating example of Strategic Air Command’s Cold War emphasis on electronic warfare, penetration aids, and making the enemy defend against ghosts.

Trim

Standard TOPAS

Product variants

Regular price: $69.50
Sale price: $69.50
Regular price

SPECIFICATIONS

AD906 is a Sortie (dual relic) mission card that features 2 aircraft: A B-52G S/N: 58-0170 and ADM-20 Quail S/N: 60-761.

Sheet 1 (TOPAS): TOPAS (The Original Production Archive Sheet) Air Drops are Sheet 1 (the first made) cards sealed in a magnetic case with a metallic security sticker. That sticker carries a serial number tied to the card's sheet number, cataloged here by us before it ships, so every TOPAS is recorded in our registry the moment it leaves the shop. The serial and aircraft info is printed on top of the case, too, for easy ID when stored vertically.

Each one ships in a custom box featuring the card art, a serialized TOPAS COA, a sticker, and an NFC tag that contains a digital download tied to that specific card, tucked inside the case.

All TOPAS Air Drops will ship the week of the 20th. Note, the main product images show a Sheet 1 (TOPAS) Air Drop removed from its case. All Sheet 1 (TOPAS) Air Drops will ship in magnetic slab case.

Sheet 2+: Our Standard Issue Air Drops are identical to TOPAS Air Drops in construction, but ships in a custom bag and do not come with the case, NFC, or registry card.