SM-65 Atlas

Last updated

Atlas, test number 449, Air Force Missile Test Center. Atlas missile test launch.jpg
Atlas, test number 449, Air Force Missile Test Center.

The Convair X-11/SM-65A Atlas/Atlas A was the first full-scale prototype of the Atlas missile, first flying on 11 June 1957. [21] It was a test model designed to verify the structure and propulsion system, and had no sustainer engine or separable stages. The first three Atlas A launches used an early Rocketdyne engine design with conical thrust chambers and only 135,000 pounds of thrust. By the fourth Atlas test, they were replaced by an improved engine design that had bell-shaped thrust chambers and 150,000 pounds of thrust.

There were eight Atlas A test flights, conducted in 1957–58, of which four were successful. All were launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, at either Launch Complex 12 or Launch Complex 14. [21]

SM-65B Atlas

Launch of an Atlas B ICBM. Atlas-B ICBM.jpg
Launch of an Atlas B ICBM.

The Convair X-12/SM-65B was the second prototype version, introducing the stage and a half system that was a hallmark of the Atlas rocket program. This version was the first American rocket to achieve a flight distance that could be considered intercontinental when it flew 6,325 miles (10,180 km). [22]

The Atlas B was first flown on 19 July 1958. Of ten total flights, nine were sub-orbital test flights of the Atlas as an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile, with five successful missions and four failures; the other flight placed the SCORE satellite into orbit. All launches were conducted from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, at Launch Complexes 11, 13 and 14. [21]

SM-65C Atlas

Atlas C missile sitting on its launch pad. Atlas C.jpg
Atlas C missile sitting on its launch pad.

The SM-65C Atlas, or Atlas C was the third prototype Atlas version, a more refined model with improved, lighter-weight components. a bigger LOX tank, and a smaller fuel tank. First flown on 24 December 1958, it was the final development version. It was originally planned to be used as the first stage of the Atlas-Able rocket, but following an explosion during a static test on 24 September 1959, this was abandoned in favor of the Atlas D. [23] Six flights were made, all sub-orbital ballistic test flights of the Atlas, with three tests succeeding, and three failing. [24] All launches were conducted from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, at Launch Complex 12. [25]

SM-65D Atlas

SM-65D Atlas missile 58-220, F. E. Warren AFB. 564th Strategic Missile Squadron Convair SM-65D Atlas missile 58-2205.jpg
SM-65D Atlas missile 58-220, F. E. Warren AFB.

The SM-65D Atlas, or Atlas D, was the first operational version of the Atlas missile and the basis for all Atlas space launchers, debuting in 1959. [26] Atlas D weighed 255,950 lb (116,100 kg) (without payload) and had an empty weight of only 11,894 lb (5,395 kg); the other 95.35% was propellant. Dropping the 6,720 lb (3,048 kg) booster engine and fairing reduced the dry weight to 5,174 lb (2,347 kg), a mere 2.02% of the initial gross weight of the vehicle (still excluding payload). This very low dry weight gave Atlas D a range of up to 9,000 miles (14,500 km), or to orbit payloads without requiring an upper stage. [27] It first flew on 14 April 1959.

To provide the United States with an interim or emergency ICBM capability, in September 1959 the Air Force deployed three SM-65D Atlas missiles on open launch pads at Vandenberg AFB, California, under the operational control of the 576th Strategic Missile Squadron, 704th Strategic Missile Wing. Completely exposed to the elements, the three missiles were serviced by a gantry crane. One missile was on operational alert at all times. [28] They remained on alert until 1 May 1964. [29]

SM-65E Atlas

Atlas-E missile (s/n 5E), Cape Canaveral LC-11. Atlas-5E rocket-02.jpg
Atlas-E missile (s/n 5E), Cape Canaveral LC-11.

The SM-65E Atlas, or Atlas-E, was the first 3-engine operational variant of the Atlas missile, the third engine resulting from splitting the two booster thrust chambers into separate engines with independent sets of turbopumps. It first flew on 11 October 1960, and was deployed as an operational ICBM from September 1961 until March 1965. [30]

A major enhancement in the Atlas E was the new all-inertial system that obviated the need for ground control facilities. Since the missiles were no longer tied to a central guidance control facility, the launchers could be dispersed more widely in what was called a 1 × 9 configuration, with one missile silo located at one launch site each for the nine missiles assigned to the squadron. [15]

Atlas-E launches were conducted from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, at Launch Complexes 11 and 13, and Vandenberg Air Force Base at Vandenberg AFB Operational Silo Test Facility, Vandenberg AFB Launch Complex 576 and Vandenberg AFB Space Launch Complex 3. [21]

SM-65F Atlas

Convair SM-65F Atlas 532 550 SMS Site 02 Abilene KS. Convair SM-65F Atlas 532 550 SMS Site 02 Abilene KS.jpg
Convair SM-65F Atlas 532 550 SMS Site 02 Abilene KS.

The SM-65F Atlas, or Atlas-F, was the final operational variant of the Atlas missile. It first flew on 8 August 1961, and was deployed as an operational ICBM between September 1962 and April 1965.

The Atlas F was essentially a quick-firing version of the Atlas E, modified to be stored in a vertical position inside underground concrete and steel silos. It was nearly identical to the E version except for interfaces associated with their different basing modes (underground silo for F) and the fuel management system. [31] When stored, the missile sat atop an elevator. If placed on alert, it was fueled with RP-1 (kerosene) liquid fuel, which could be stored inside the missile for extended periods. If a decision was made to launch, it was fueled with liquid oxygen. Once the liquid oxygen fueling was complete, the elevator raised the missile to the surface for launching. [32]

This method of storage allowed the Atlas F to be launched in about ten minutes, [33] a saving of about five minutes over the Atlas D and Atlas E, both of which were stored horizontally and had to be raised to a vertical position before being fueled. [33]

Atlas-F launches were conducted from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, at Launch Complexes 11 and 13, and Vandenberg Air Force Base at OSTF-2, Vandenberg AFB Launch Complex 576 and Vandenberg AFB Space Launch Complex 3. [21]

Operational deployment

SM-65 Atlas deployment sites: SM-65D (Red), SM-65E (Purple), SM-65F (Black) SM-65 Atlas Missile Sites.png
SM-65 Atlas deployment sites:  SM-65D (Red), SM-65E (Purple), SM-65F (Black)

Strategic Air Command deployed 13 operational Atlas ICBM squadrons between 1959 and 1962. Each of the three missile variants, the Atlas D, E, and F series, were deployed and based in progressively more secure launchers. [34] : 216 

Service history

The number of Atlas intercontinental ballistic missiles in service, at the end of each year: [29] : Table 3 

B-65/SM-65/CGM-16/HGM-16 Atlas
Atlas 2E Ballistic Missile.jpg
Atlas 2E missile, San Diego Aerospace Museum
Function Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM)
Manufacturer Convair / General Dynamics
Country of originUnited States
Size
Height75 ft 10 in (23.11 m)
85 ft 6 in (26.06 m) in ICBM configuration
Diameter10 ft (3.0 m)
Width16 ft (4.9 m)
Mass260,000 lb (117,900 kg)
Stages1½
Associated rockets
Family Atlas
Launch history
StatusRetired April 1965
Total launches24
Success(es)13
Failure(s)11
First flight11 June 1957
Last flight24 August 1959
Boosters
No. boosters1
Powered by2
Maximum thrust300,000 lbf (1,300 kN)
Atlas D
Total thrust360,000 lbf (1,600 kN)
Atlas D
Propellant RP-1/LOX
DateCGM-16D
(Atlas D)		CGM-16E
(Atlas E)		HGM-16F
(Atlas F)
1959600
19601200
196130270
1962302772
1963202772
19640072

Atlas-D deployment

Atlas-D ICBM launching from semi-hardened "coffin" bunker at Vandenberg AFB, California. Atlas-icbm-erection-large.jpg
Atlas-D ICBM launching from semi-hardened "coffin" bunker at Vandenberg AFB, California.

In September 1959 the first operational Atlas ICBM squadron went on operational alert at F.E. Warren AFB, [35] Wyoming equipped with six SM-65D Atlas missiles based in above-ground launchers. Three additional Atlas D squadrons, two near F.E. Warren AFB, Wyoming, and one at Offutt AFB, Nebraska, [35] were based in above-ground launchers that provided blast protection against over-pressures of only 5 pounds per square inch (34 kPa). These units were:

Francis E. Warren AFB, Wyoming (2 September 1960 – 1 July 1964)
564th Strategic Missile Squadron (6 missiles)
565th Strategic Missile Squadron (9 missiles)
Offutt AFB, Nebraska (30 March 1961 – 1 October 1964)
549th Strategic Missile Squadron (9 missiles)

The first site at Warren for the 564th SMS consisted of six launchers grouped together, controlled by two launch operations buildings, and clustered around a central guidance control facility. This was called the 3 × 2 configuration: two launch complexes of three missiles each constituted a squadron. [34] : 218 

At the second Warren site for the 565th SMS and at Offutt AFB, Nebraska, for the 549th SMS, the missiles were based in a 3 x 3 configuration: three launchers and one combined guidance control/launch facility constituted a launch complex, and three complexes comprised a squadron. At these later sites the combined guidance and control facility measured 107 by 121 ft (33 by 37 m) with a partial basement. A dispersal technique of spreading the launch complexes were 20 to 30 miles (30 to 50 km) apart was also employed to reduce the risk that one powerful nuclear warhead could destroy multiple launch sites. [34]

Atlas-E deployment

The SM-65E Atlas were based in horizontal "semi-hard" or "coffin" facilities that protected the missile against over-pressures up to 25 psi (170 kPa). In this arrangement the missile, its support facilities, and the launch operations building were housed in reinforced concrete structures that were buried underground; only the roofs protruded above ground level. These units were: [36]

Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington (28 September 1961 – 17 February 1965)
567th Strategic Missile Squadron, (9 missiles)
Forbes AFB, Kansas (10 October 1961 – 4 January 1965)
548th Strategic Missile Squadron, (9 missiles)
Francis E. Warren AFB, Wyoming (20 November 1961 – 4 January 1965)
566th Strategic Missile Squadron (9 missiles)

Atlas-F deployment

The six SM-65F Atlas squadrons were the first ICBMs to be stored vertically in underground silos. Built of heavily reinforced concrete, the huge silos were designed to protect the missiles from over-pressures of up to 100 psi (690 kPa). [7] These units were: [37]

The Atlas F's employment was dangerous due to the flammability of the stored liquid rocket fuels. Four sites and their missiles were destroyed during propellant loading exercises (known as PLXs) when liquid oxygen leaked and fires ensued. On 1 June 1963 Roswell's site 579-1 was destroyed by explosion and fire. On 13 February 1964 Roswell's site 579-5 was destroyed, and a month later on 9 March 1964 site 579-2 was also destroyed by explosion and fire. Finally, on 14 May 1964 an Altus AFB site, 577-6 in Frederick, Oklahoma, was also destroyed by explosion and fire during a PLX. Fortunately the crews all survived. None of the damaged sites were repaired or returned to service.

Retirement as an ICBM

After the solid-fuel LGM-30 Minuteman had become operational in early 1963, the Atlas became rapidly obsolete. [38] By October 1964, all Atlas D missiles had been phased out, followed by the Atlas E/F in April 1965. About 350 Atlas ICBMs of all versions were built, with a peak deployment level of 129 (30 D, 27 E, 72 F). Despite its relatively short life span, Atlas served as the proving ground for many new missile technologies. Perhaps more importantly, its development spawned the organization, policies, and procedures that paved the way for all of the later ICBM programs. [39]

After its retirement from operational ICBM service in 1965, the ICBMs were refurbished and used for close to forty years as space launch vehicle boosters. [33]

Atlas-A to -C launch history

SM-65A (Atlas A) variant launch history

1965 graph of Atlas launches, cumulative by month with failures highlighted (pink) along with USAF Titan II and NASA use of ICBM boosters for Projects Mercury and Gemini (blue). Apollo-Saturn history and projections shown as well. USAF ICBM and NASA Launch Vehicle Flight Test Successes and Failures (highlighted).png
1965 graph of Atlas launches, cumulative by month with failures highlighted (pink) along with USAF Titan II and NASA use of ICBM boosters for Projects Mercury and Gemini (blue). Apollo–Saturn history and projections shown as well.

Eight flights of Atlas A occurred during the history of this variant. [40]

(SM-65A)
Date		Time
(GMT)		PadSerial Apogee Outcome
1957-06-1119:37LC-144A2 km (1.2 mi)Failure
1957-09-2519:57LC-146A3 km (1.9 mi)Failure
1957-12-1717:39LC-1412A120 km (75 mi)Success
1958-01-1015:48LC-1210A120 km (75 mi)Success
1958-02-0719:37LC-1413A120 km (75 mi)Failure
1958-02-2017:46LC-1211A90 km (56 mi)Failure
1958-04-0517:01LC-1415A100 km (62 mi)Success
1958-06-0321:28LC-1216A120 km (75 mi)Success

SM-65B (Atlas B) variant launch history

Ten flights of Atlas B occurred during the history of this variant. [41]

(SM-65B)
Date		Time
(GMT)		PadSerial Apogee OutcomeRemarks
1958-07-1917:36LC-113B10 km (6.2 mi)Failure
1958-08-0222:16LC-134B900 km (560 mi)Success
1958-08-2904:30LC-115B900 km (560 mi)Success
1958-09-1405:24LC-148B900 km (560 mi)Success
1958-09-1821:27LC-136B100 km (62 mi)Failure
1958-11-1804:00LC-119B800 km (500 mi)Failure
1958-11-2902:27LC-1412B900 km (560 mi)SuccessFirst full-range test flight
1958-12-1822:02LC-1110BN/ASuccessPlaced SCORE satellite
into 185 km (115 mi) x
1,484 km (922 mi) x 32.3° orbit
1959-01-1604:00LC-1413B100 km (62 mi)Failure
1959-02-0408:01LC-1111B900 km (560 mi)Success

SM-65C (Atlas C) variant launch history

Six flights of Atlas C occurred during the history of this variant. [42]

(SM-65C)
Date		Time
(GMT)		PadSerial Apogee Outcome
1958-12-2404:45LC-123C900 km (560 mi)Success
1959-01-2723:34LC-124C900 km (560 mi)Failure
1959-02-2005:38LC-125C100 km (62 mi)Failure
1959-03-1900:59LC-127C200 km (120 mi)Failure
1959-07-2105:22LC-128C900 km (560 mi)Success
1959-08-2415:53LC-1211C900 km (560 mi)Success

Survivors

Former survivor:

Convair XSM-65A launch.jpg
Convair XSM-65A being launched
Convair XSM-65B launch.jpg
Convair XSM-65B being launched
Atlas C.jpg
Atlas C missile sitting on its launch pad, 1957/58
Atlas-E.jpg
Launch of an SM-65E Atlas
Atlas-F.jpg
Launch of an SM-65F Atlas

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

Related lists

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Intercontinental ballistic missile</span> Ballistic missile with a range of more than 5,500 kilometres

An intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) is a ballistic missile with a range greater than 5,500 kilometres (3,400 mi), primarily designed for nuclear weapons delivery. Conventional, chemical, and biological weapons can also be delivered with varying effectiveness, but have never been deployed on ICBMs. Most modern designs support multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle (MIRVs), allowing a single missile to carry several warheads, each of which can strike a different target. The United States, Russia, China, France, India, the United Kingdom, Israel, and North Korea are the only countries known to have operational ICBMs. Incidentally, Pakistan is the only nuclear-armed state that does not possess ICBMs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGM-30 Minuteman</span> American ICBM, in service

The LGM-30 Minuteman is an American land-based intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) in service with the Air Force Global Strike Command. As of 2024, the LGM-30G is the only land-based ICBM in service in the United States and represents the land leg of the U.S. nuclear triad, along with the Trident II submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) and nuclear weapons carried by long-range strategic bombers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Titan (rocket family)</span> Family of launch vehicles used in U.S. Air Force and space programs (1959–2005)

Titan was a family of United States expendable rockets used between 1959 and 2005. The Titan I and Titan II were part of the US Air Force's intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) fleet until 1987. The space launch vehicle versions contributed the majority of the 368 Titan launches, including all the Project Gemini crewed flights of the mid-1960s. Titan vehicles were also used to lift US military payloads as well as civilian agency reconnaissance satellites and to send interplanetary scientific probes throughout the Solar System.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vandenberg Space Force Base</span> United States Space Force Base near Los Angeles

Vandenberg Space Force Base, previously Vandenberg Air Force Base, is a United States Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County, California. Established in 1941, Vandenberg Space Force Base is a space launch base, launching spacecraft from the Western Range, and also performs missile testing. The United States Space Force's Space Launch Delta 30 serves as the host delta for the base, equivalent to an Air Force air base wing. In addition to its military space launch mission, Vandenberg Space Force Base also hosts space launches for civil and commercial space entities, such as NASA and SpaceX.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">HGM-25A Titan I</span> Early American intercontinental ballistic missile

The Martin Marietta SM-68A/HGM-25A Titan I was the United States' first multistage intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), in use from 1959 until 1962. Though the SM-68A was operational for only three years, it spawned numerous follow-on models that were a part of the U.S. arsenal and space launch capability. The Titan I was unique among the Titan models in that it used liquid oxygen and RP-1 as propellants; all subsequent versions used storable propellants instead.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Convair</span> 1943–1996 American aerospace manufacturer

Convair, previously Consolidated Vultee, was an American aircraft-manufacturing company that later expanded into rockets and spacecraft. The company was formed in 1943 by the merger of Consolidated Aircraft and Vultee Aircraft. In 1953, it was purchased by General Dynamics, and operated as their Convair Division for most of its corporate history.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">PGM-17 Thor</span> Intermediate-range ballistic missile

The PGM-17A Thor was the first operative ballistic missile of the United States Air Force (USAF). It was named after the Norse god of thunder. It was deployed in the United Kingdom between 1959 and September 1963 as an intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) with thermonuclear warheads. Thor was 65 feet (20 m) in height and 8 feet (2.4 m) in diameter.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGM-25C Titan II</span> US ICBM, in service from 1962 to 1987

The Titan II was an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) developed by the Glenn L. Martin Company from the earlier Titan I missile. Titan II was originally designed and used as an ICBM, but was later adapted as a medium-lift space launch vehicle to carry payloads to Earth orbit for the United States Air Force (USAF), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Those payloads included the USAF Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP), NOAA weather satellites, and NASA's Gemini crewed space capsules. The modified Titan II SLVs were launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, up until 2003.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">SM-64 Navaho</span> 1950s supersonic intercontinental cruise missile

The North American SM-64 Navaho was a supersonic intercontinental cruise missile project built by North American Aviation (NAA). The final design was capable of delivering a nuclear weapon to the USSR from bases within the US, while cruising at Mach 3 at 60,000 feet (18,000 m) altitude. The missile's name is an acronym North American Vehicle using Alcohol and Hydrogen peroxide and Oxygen.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">XSM-73 Goose</span> Cruise Missile

The Fairchild SM-73 was a planned sub-sonic, jet-powered, long-range, ground-launched decoy cruise missile. XSM-73 was the designation for the development version. 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. The program was cancelled because the missile was not able to simulate a B-52 bomber on radar.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Atlas (rocket family)</span> Family of American missiles and space launch vehicles

Atlas is a family of US missiles and space launch vehicles that originated with the SM-65 Atlas. The Atlas intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) program was initiated in the late 1950s under the Convair Division of General Dynamics. Atlas was a liquid propellant rocket burning RP-1 kerosene fuel with liquid oxygen in three engines configured in an unusual "stage-and-a-half" or "parallel staging" design: two outboard booster engines were jettisoned along with supporting structures during ascent, while the center sustainer engine, propellant tanks and other structural elements remained connected through propellant depletion and engine shutdown.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Missile Defense Alarm System</span> Satellite early warning system

The Missile Defense Alarm System, or MIDAS, was a United States Air Force Air Defense Command system of 12 early-warning satellites that provided limited notice of Soviet intercontinental ballistic missile launches between 1960 and 1966. Originally intended to serve as a complete early-warning system working in conjunction with the Ballistic Missile Early Warning System, cost and reliability concerns limited the project to a research and development role. Three of the system's 12 launches ended in failure, and the remaining nine satellites provided crude infrared early-warning coverage of the Soviet Union until the project was replaced by the Defense Support Program. MiDAS represented one element of the United States's first generation of reconnaissance satellites that also included the Corona and SAMOS series. Though MIDAS failed in its primary role as a system of infrared early-warning satellites, it pioneered the technologies needed in successor systems.

The SM-68 Titan was the designation of two intercontinental ballistic missiles developed for the United States Air Force. The Titan I and Titan II missiles were operational between 1962 and 1987 during the Cold War. These missiles, particularly the Titan II, were the basis of the Titan family of space launch vehicles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">SM-65D Atlas</span> First operational version of the U.S. Atlas missile

The SM-65D Atlas, or Atlas D, was the first operational version of the U.S. Atlas missile. Atlas D was first used as an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) to deliver a nuclear weapon payload on a suborbital trajectory. It was later developed as a launch vehicle to carry a payload to low Earth orbit on its own, and later to geosynchronous orbit, to the Moon, Venus, or Mars with the Agena or Centaur upper stage.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">SM-65E Atlas</span> Variant of the U.S. Atlas missile

The SM-65E Atlas, or Atlas-E, was an operational variant of the Atlas missile. It first flew on October 11, 1960, and was deployed as an operational ICBM from September 1961 until April 1966. Following retirement as an ICBM, the Atlas-E, along with the Atlas-F, was refurbished for orbital launches as the Atlas E/F. The last Atlas E/F launch was conducted on March 24, 1995, using a rocket which had originally been built as an Atlas E.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">SM-65F Atlas</span> Missile

The SM-65F Atlas, or Atlas-F, was the final operational variant of the Atlas missile, only differing from the Atlas E in the launch facility and guidance package used. It first flew on 8 August 1961, and was deployed as an operational ICBM between 1961 and 1966. Following retirement as an ICBM, the Atlas-F, along with the Atlas-E, was refurbished for orbital launches as the Atlas E/F.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vandenberg Launch Complex 576</span>

Launch Complex 576 is a group of rocket launch pads at Vandenberg Space Force Base. The pads were used from 1959 until 1971 to launch SM-65 Atlas missiles. The site was also known as Complex ABRES. Pads in Area 576 include 576A-1, 576A-2 and 576A-3, 576B-1, 576B-2 and 576B-3, 576-C, 576-D, 576-E, OSTF-1 and OSTF-2.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Missile launch facility</span> Underground structure for the storage and launching of intercontinental ballistic missiles

A missile launch facility, also known as an underground missile silo, launch facility (LF), or nuclear silo, is a vertical cylindrical structure constructed underground, for the storage and launching of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), intermediate-range ballistic missiles (IRBMs), medium-range ballistic missiles (MRBMs). Similar facilities can be used for anti-ballistic missiles (ABMs).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">6555th Aerospace Test Group</span> Military unit

The 6555th Aerospace Test Group is an inactive United States Air Force unit. It was last assigned to the Eastern Space and Missile Center and stationed at Patrick Air Force Base, Florida. It was inactivated on 1 October 1990.

References

PD-icon.svg This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency

  1. ↑ Edward Hujsa (28 June 2007). "San Diego's Missile". San Diego Reader. Retrieved 17 March 2023.
  2. 1 2 Roger Guillemette. "Atlas". U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission. Retrieved 11 March 2023.
  3. 1 2 3 Jacob Neufeld (1990). The Development of Ballistic Missiles in the United States Air Force 1945-1960 (PDF). dtic.mil (Report). Archived (PDF) from the original on 12 March 2023. Retrieved 12 March 2023.
  4. ↑ RTV-A-2 Hiroc
  5. ↑ Dennis R. Jenkins (11 July 2014). To Reach the High Frontier - Ch 2: Stage-and-a-Half, The Atlas Launch Vehicle (University Press of Kentucky, 2002). University Press of Kentucky. pp. 74–85. ISBN   9780813148076.
  6. ↑ Mike Gruntman, Blazing the Trail, pp. 221–245, AIAA, Reston Virginia, 2004
  7. 1 2 "Historical Vignette 032 - The Corps Built the Launch Sites for Atlas ICBM". U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. August 2001. Retrieved 11 March 2023.
  8. ↑ "Our History". WD-40. Archived from the original on 23 June 2014.
  9. ↑ Steward, David. Seeking Success: A Memoir. p. 44.
  10. ↑ "Rocket R-5". S. P. Korolev RSC Energia. Archived from the original on 23 October 2021. Retrieved 10 November 2023.
  11. ↑ John Pike. "SM-65 Atlas – United States Nuclear Forces". Globalsecurity.org. Retrieved 19 July 2013.
  12. 1 2 3 "Variants of the "stage and a half" drive system (MA) of the Atlas rocket". b14643.de. Retrieved 4 September 2022.
  13. 1 2 3 4 5 D. McCutcheon, Kimble. "Part 5: The Atlas Missile". U.S. Manned Rocket Propulsion Evolution. Archived from the original on 28 August 2024. Retrieved 4 September 2022.
  14. ↑ "The Military Standard - Titan I Missile Overview". themilitarystandard.com. Retrieved 10 March 2023.
  15. 1 2 "Atlas SM-65". FE Warren Museum. Archived from the original on 9 May 2008.
  16. ↑ "Burroughs Guidance Computer Historical Summary". 2012. p. 1, 7, 8.
  17. ↑ "Missile, Reentry Vehicle, Mark 2". si.edu.
  18. ↑ "Missile, Reentry Vehicle, Mark 4". airandspace.si.edu.
  19. ↑ Jim O'Connell (4 June 2014). "Fairchild had a missile squadron… Who knew?". U.S. Air Force. Retrieved 11 March 2023.
  20. ↑ Коммерческий полет "Союза" на МКС планируется в 2022-2023 годах [Soyuz commercial flight to the ISS planned for 2022-2023]. РИА Новости (in Russian). 27 April 2020. Retrieved 26 June 2020.
  21. 1 2 3 4 5 "Encyclopedia Astronautica – Atlas A". Astronautix.com. Archived from the original on 22 May 2013. Retrieved 19 July 2013.
  22. ↑ "Cape Canaveral Launch Chronology". Spaceline.org. Retrieved 27 February 2021.
  23. ↑ Andrew J. LePage (13 December 2010). "The Pioneer lunar orbiters: a forgotten failure". thespacerview.com. Retrieved 12 March 2023.
  24. ↑ "Atlas C". astronautix.com. Retrieved 11 March 2023.
  25. ↑ "Launch Complex 12". Air Force Space and Missile Museum. Retrieved 11 March 2023.
  26. ↑ Andreas Parsch, "Atlas D, Historical Essay", Encyclopedia Astronautica, 2003
  27. ↑ M. D. Black, The Evolution of ROCKET TECHNOLOGY, p. 54, Native Planter, SLC, 2012, payloadz.com under ebook/History
  28. ↑ Troy A. Hallsell (31 October 2019). "The ICBM turns 60". U.S. Air Force. Retrieved 11 March 2023.
  29. 1 2 Robert S. Norris; Thomas B. Cochran (January 1997). US-USSR/Russian Strategic Offensive Nuclear Forces (PDF) (Report). National Resources Defense Council, Inc. p. 16. Archived (PDF) from the original on 23 December 2021. Retrieved 11 March 2023.
  30. ↑ James N. Gibson, Nuclear Weapons of the United States, An Illustrated History, pp. 11–14, Schiffer Publishing Ltd., Atglen, PA, 1996
  31. ↑ "Atlas ICBM Geared to Total Deployment". Aviation Week and Space Technology, 25 September 1961. pp. 143–149.
  32. ↑ John T. Correll (1 July 2005). "How the Air Force Got the ICBM". Air and Space Forces Magazine. Retrieved 11 March 2023.
  33. 1 2 3 "Missile Defense Project, "SM-65 Atlas". Missile Threat, Center for Strategic and International Studies. 2 August 2021. Retrieved 11 March 2023.
  34. 1 2 3 John C. Lonnquest; David F. Winkler (November 1996). To Defend and Deter: The Legacy of the United States Cold War Missile Program (PDF). dtic.mil (Report). Department of Defense Legacy Resource Management Program Cold War Project. Archived (PDF) from the original on 20 October 2020. Retrieved 12 March 2023.
  35. 1 2 "Atlas D Locations". siloworld.net. Archived from the original on 13 July 2022.
  36. ↑ "Atlas E Locations". siloworld.net. Archived from the original on 14 July 2022.
  37. ↑ "Atlas F Locations". siloworld.net. Archived from the original on 12 November 2020.
  38. ↑ Reggie Manning (5 March 2012). "Air Force history of ICBM development, safeguarding America". U.S. Air Force. Retrieved 11 March 2023.
  39. ↑ Parsch, Andreas. "Directory of U.S. Military Rockets and Missiles - Convair B-65/SM-65/CGM-16/HGM-16 Atlas". Archived from the original on 3 October 2002.
  40. ↑ "Atlas A". astronautix.com. Retrieved 13 March 2023.
  41. ↑ "Atlas B". astronautix.com. Retrieved 13 March 2023.
  42. ↑ "Atlas C". astronautix.com. Retrieved 13 March 2023.
  43. ↑ Ty Greenlees (12 June 2020). "7 artifacts you can't see at the Air Force Museum: A peek inside the storage building". Dayton Daily News. Retrieved 12 March 2023.
  44. ↑ "United States Air Force Museum". Air Force Museum. 1987. p. 118. Retrieved 12 March 2023.
  45. ↑ "Topic Atlas Displays". nasaspaceflight.com. Retrieved 10 March 2023.
  46. ↑ "Air and Space Annex, Gillespie Field". Rediscovering San Diego. Retrieved 12 March 2023.
  47. ↑ "Convair Atlas 2D - NASA". airliners.net. Retrieved 12 March 2023.
  48. ↑ "Historic Spacecraft Atlas Rockets Overview#Atlas-F ICBM". historicspacecraft.com. Retrieved 11 March 2023.
  49. ↑ "Atlas Rocket at Science and Technology Museum dismantled". ctvnews.ca. 25 February 2015. Archived from the original on 10 August 2015. Retrieved 2 May 2018.

Further reading

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.