The Lark never proceeded past the prototype stage.
Further Lark development was halted by the Bureau of Ordnance in late 1950 in favor of the RIM-2 Terrier being developed by Operation Bumblebee.
A subsonic missile was of doubtful use against anticipated supersonic targets; but three successful Lark interceptions by the Raytheon guidance system generated interest within the Army and Air Force.
Modified Larks were used for guidance system development testing by all three services through the early 1950s.
The Bureau of Aeronautics Sparrow program began in 1950 using the Lark target seeker in air-to-air missiles.
The Army used Lark components investigating guidance options for the MGM-18 Lacrosse surface-to-surface missile.
Changing roles during a period of changing nomenclature created a confusing number of designations for Lark.
Fairchild production was identified as KAQ, SAM-N-2, and CTV-N-9.
Convair production was identified as KAY, SAM-N-4, and CTV-N-10.
Army test versions were designated RV-A-22.
The Lark never proceeded past the prototype stage. Further Lark development was halted by the Bureau of Ordnance in late 1950 in favor of the RIM-2 Terrier being developed by Operation Bumblebee. A subsonic missile was of doubtful use against anticipated supersonic targets; but three successful Lark interceptions by the Raytheon guidance system generated interest within the Army and Air Force. Modified Larks were used for guidance system development testing by all three services through the early 1950s. The Bureau of Aeronautics Sparrow program began in 1950 using the Lark target seeker in air-to-air missiles. The Army used Lark components investigating guidance options for the MGM-18 Lacrosse surface-to-surface missile. Changing roles during a period of changing nomenclature created a confusing number of designations for Lark. Fairchild production was identified as KAQ, SAM-N-2, and CTV-N-9. Convair production was identified as KAY, SAM-N-4, and CTV-N-10. Army test versions were designated RV-A-22.
SAM-N-2 Lark