The BOMARC launch platform was used to fire the BOMARC missile, a surface-launched pilotless interceptor developed by Boeing and the Michigan Aeronautical Research Center to destroy enemy aircraft. Originally designated XF-99, later redesignated IM-99 and then CIM-10A, the missile began prototype testing in 1952, the A series became operational in 1961, and the program was completely phased out in October 1972. After radar notification, the launcher could respond in 30 seconds by lifting a 16,032-pound missile with a nuclear warhead. A rocket booster propelled it at launch until its ramjets could operate, after which it was guided from the ground to the vicinity of its target and then taken over by an internal target seeker. A single BOMARC missile could cover about 500,000 square miles. In September 1958, the Air Research and Development Command decided to transfer the BOMARC program from Cape Canaveral to a new facility on Santa Rosa Island. The 4751st Air Defense Wing (Missile) was established on 15 January 1958 at Eglin AFB, FL, and the first launch from Santa Rosa took place on 15 January 1959. More than 200 launches were made from Eglin AFB before the Hurlburt Field operational test and training unit was deactivated in 1979.