The Fairchild SM-73 (originally Bull Goose) was a planned sub-sonic, jet-powered, long-range, ground-launched decoy cruise missile.

Development began in 1952 with conceptual studies and ended when the program was canceled in 1958 after 15 test flights but before any operational deployment.

The operational concept was to base squadrons of XM-73s at various locations in the United States and if necessary launch the aircraft as part of a strategic bomber attack.

The aircraft would fly autonomously under inertial guidance towards the target area, using radar reflectors and electronic countermeasures to imitate American bombers and thus confuse and saturate enemy air defenses.

Starting in December 1952, Fairchild began concept studies for a ground-launched long range decoy missile that could simulate strategic bombers on radar.

[1][2] Multiple SM-73 missiles would be ground-launched from Strategic Air Command bases located in the continental United States.

[3] Study contracts were awarded to Convair and Fairchild in July 1954 by the United States Air Force under the project designation MX-2223.

[5] The proposed General Electric engine had a more advanced design, involving more risk, but having a higher thrust to weight ratio.

The SM-73 was designed to carry radar reflectors and active electronic countermeasures operating in S-band, L-band, and lower frequencies.

Funding issues and problems with the fiberglass wing, the booster rocket, and the Fairchild J83 engine delayed testing.

At Patrick Air Force Base, launch complexes 21[6] and 22[7] were constructed near the Cape Canaveral Light[6] to support SM-73 testing.