ADR-8

The ADR-8 was an unguided electronic countermeasures rocket developed by Tracor for use by the United States Air Force. It was used to dispense chaff from Boeing B-52 Stratofortress bombers.

ADR-8A
Type	Chaff rocket
Place of origin	United States
Service history
Used by	United States Air Force
Production history
Designer	Tracor
Designed	early 1960s
Manufacturer	Revere Copper and Brass
Specifications
Length	5 feet (1.5 m)
Diameter	2.75 inches (70 mm)
Warhead	Chaff
Propellant	Solid fuel
Guidance system	None
Launch platform	B-52 Stratofortress

Development

Originally given the designation RCU-2, the ADR-8 was developed for use by the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress strategic bomber, to give the aircraft a means of dispensing chaff to disrupt enemy radar.^[1] Developed by Tracor under a Quick Reaction Contract, the ADR-8 was a folding fin rocket of 2.75 in (70 mm) diameter. Following successful testing, production of the rocket was undertaken by Revere Copper and Brass.^[1]

Operational use

The rockets were fired from 20-shot AN/ALE-25 rocket pods mounted on pylons under the wings of the B-52s. The pods were 13 feet (4.0 m) long and weighed 1,100 pounds (500 kg); the rockets could be fired manually or automatically upon detection of a threat. They were installed on the final 18 B-52H aircraft constructed; earlier B-52Gs and B-52Hs were retrofitted with the system.^[2]

The ADR-8 and AN/ALE-25 were retired in September 1970,^[1] replaced by the "Phase VI" electronic warfare suite.^[2]