Definition
“SSM‑A‑23 Dart” is reported as a designation that would correspond to a United States military surface‑to‑surface missile (SSM) project. No verifiable, publicly available sources confirm the existence, development, deployment, or specifications of a missile bearing this exact designation.
Overview
The United States Department of Defense historically employed a alphanumeric system for naming guided weapons, in which “SSM” denotes “Surface‑to‑Surface Missile” and the suffix “‑A‑” has been used for certain series of experimental or operational missiles. While many SSM designations (e.g., SSM‑A‑1 “Narcissus”, SSM‑A‑2 “Javelin”) are documented, the specific identifier “SSM‑A‑23” followed by the codename “Dart” does not appear in official missile inventories, declassified procurement records, or reputable defense literature. Consequently, the term is not recognized as an established concept within the open‑source record.
Etymology / Origin
- SSM‑A‑23: In the U.S. missile designation schema, “SSM” signifies a surface‑launched missile intended to strike ground or sea targets. The letter “A” typically designates a particular series or development block, and the number “23” would indicate its sequential position within that series.
- Dart: The codename “Dart” follows a pattern of concise, kinetic‑type names historically applied to missile projects (e.g., “Spear,” “Arrow”). The term evokes the notion of a fast‑moving, streamlined projectile.
No authoritative source confirms that this naming was officially assigned to a specific weapon system.
Characteristics
Accurate information about the design, performance, operational history, or technical specifications of “SSM‑A‑23 Dart” is not available. If the designation were real, it would likely share characteristics common to mid‑20th‑century U.S. surface‑to‑surface missiles, such as:
- Conventional or nuclear warhead payload (hypothetical)
- Propulsion by solid‑fuel rocket motor (typical for the era)
- Guidance via inertial navigation or command link (speculative)
However, these attributes remain conjectural; accurate information is not confirmed.
Related Topics
- United States missile designation system
- Surface‑to‑surface missile development (Cold War era)
- U.S. Navy and Army tactical missile programs (e.g., Regulus, Honest John, Pershing)
- Codename conventions for U.S. military weapons
Given the lack of corroborating evidence, “SSM‑A‑23 Dart” should be regarded as an unverified or possibly erroneous reference within publicly accessible defense documentation.