Dornberger had originally worked on the idea as part of efforts to extend the range of the V-2 missile late in World War II.

The final launch of the Alpha Draco on April 30, however, suffered a flight-control failure and was destroyed by range safety command.

[5] The program demonstrated that the vehicle was able to generate lift/drag ratio of 3.5 to 1, allowing it to greatly extend its range;[3] it was also the first missile to achieve hypersonic flight inside of an atmosphere.

[9] To be on the safe side, Minuteman silos were built deeper than required in case a boost-glide weapon would be fitted in the future.

Although this never came to be, the extra depth proved invaluable as it allowed the missile to grow in length to the Minuteman III design without having to build new silos.