The DART was a ground-launched, rocket-propelled missile guided by a wire control line which unreeled from the missile during flight to provide continuous electrical connection between the missile and ground guidance equipment. Although 105 of these antitank missiles were produced, the system was never deployed. Instead, in 1958, the Army decided to field the French SS-l0 which was cheaper; lighter; smaller; and more manageable, accurate, and reliable than the DART.
System Chronology
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April 51 Chief, Army Field Forces directed Army Field Forces Board No. 4 to prepare detailed military characteristics with a supporting staff study for an Antitank Guided Missile (ATGM). November 51 The initial proposal for the DART was submitted to the Chief of Ordnance by the Aerophysics Development Corporation in response to an Ordnance requirement for antitank missile stated in February 51. The proposed system was to use the principles and techniques of the French 55-10 system already in the advanced development stage. 24 March 52 A 4-month feasibility study contract was awarded to the Aerophysics Development Corporation March 52 - February 54 The entire responsibility for the supervision of the contractor effort on the DART rested with the Chief, Office, Chief of Ordnance (OCO), Research and Development Division. May 52 DA approved the military characteristics for the ATGM. 15 August 52 The final study report of the engineering feasibility analysis was presented. 1 December 52 Ordnance entered into a 4-month pre-development study contract with the Aerophysics Development Corporation. January 53 Office, Chief of Staff directed Ordnance to establish the DART project. 1 April 53 Chief of Army Field Forces recommended the development of the DART system. The Aerophysics Development Corporation received the first development contract as prime contractor for the DART. 27 August 53 The DART program became an official Ordnance Corps project. 1 February 54 Technical supervision responsibility, except for the development of the warhead and fuze, was transferred from OCO to Redstone Arsenal 8 August 56 An important conference on the DART program was held in the DA Office of the Chief of Research and Development for the purpose of apprising everyone concerned about the progress of the DART program and needed changes. This conference sparked actions leading to the formal reorientation of the DART program. September 56 The first industrial contract for the DART was negotiated. 1957 Army Ordnance focused attention on several alternate versions of the DART. |
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September 57 The DART development program was officially reoriented. It was restricted to work on a jeep-mounted, direct-fire system because of reduced funding and decreasing confidence in the prime contractor’s ability to produce a useful system in a timely, cost efficient manner. |
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July 58 The first prototypes of the low-cost DART missile were completed but never field tested. 12 September 58 DOD and DA approved the termination of the DART project. 15 September 58 The DART production contract was terminated for the convenience of the Government after a formal announcement was issued by the Secretary of the Army. 6 October 58 The physical closing of the DART project was accomplished. |
