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.

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

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 ft long and weighed 1100 lb; 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.

The ADR-8 and AN/ALE-25 were retired in September 1970, replaced by the "Phase VI" electonic warfare suite.