1 July 1939
The Committee on Army Air Corps Research of the
National Academy of Sciences sponsored a $10,000 research program at
the California Institute of Technology's Rocket Research Project for
the development of rockets for aircraft assisted takeoffs.
28 May 1940
Dr. Robert H. Goddard, the American rocket pioneer,
offered all of his research data, patents, and facilities for use by
the military services at a meeting with representatives of Army
Ordnance, Army Air Corps, and the Navy's Bureau of Aeronautics.
Nothing resulted from this meeting except an expression of interest
on the part of the military representatives of the possible use of
rockets for aircraft assisted takeoffs.
July 1940
The National Defense Research Committee established
the Jet Propulsion Research Committee at the Naval Powder Factory,
Indian Head, Maryland, to conduct fundamental research on rocket
ordnance, Mr. C. N. Hickman, who had worked with Dr. Goddard during
World War I, was named as head of the new committee.
September 1943
The Rocket Development Branch of Army Ordnance
was created to direct and coordinate the development of rockets for
military use.
November 1943
Dr. Theodore von Karman, Director, Guggenheim
Aeronautical Laboratory, California Institute of Technology (Cal
Tech), submitted a proposal to Army Ordnance for the development of
long-range, surface-to-surface missiles.
November 1943
In response to known German advances in rocketry,
General Henry H. "Hap" Arnold, Chief of the Army Air
Forces, directed that emphasis be given to the research, development,
and procurement of guided missiles.
1 January 1944
At the request of Army Ordnance, Cal Tech's
Guggenheim Aeronautical Laboratory stated a research and development
program on long-range missiles (Project ORDCIT). This eventually
resulted in the development of Private "A" and Corporal
missiles.
July 1944
Northrop Aircraft Inc. received a contract from the
Army Air Forces to develop a jet-propelled pilotless wing type
aircraft (JB-1) superior to the German V-1 in range, accuracy, and
bomb load.
8 September 1944
The first prototype of the JB-2, essentially a
copy of the German V-1, was assembled at a plant of the Republic
Aviation Corporation.
2 October 1944
Lieutenant General Joseph T. McNarney, Army
Deputy Chief of Staff, approved a War Department General Staff policy
statement allocating development responsibilities within the guided
missile field to the Army Air Forces, the Army Service Forces, and
the Army Ground Forces. Under the provisions of this policy
statement, soon known as the McNarney Directive, the Army Air Forces
was assigned development responsibility for surface-launched missiles
that depended primarily upon momentum for sustained flight. Both the
Army Air Forces and the Army Service Forces would be responsible for
the development of their own integral missile components such as
propulsion and control subsystems. The Army Service Forces technical
services, however, would be used by both organizations to develop
warheads, non-integral launching devices, and ground portions of the
control system. The Army Ground Forces would prepare statements of
guided missile military characteristics in accordance with what it
deemed its requirements. It would then, in turn, ask either the Army
Air Forces or Army Service Forces to develop the missile. For the
time being, the Army Chief of Staff would make no operational
responsibility assignments until a missile approached operational
status.
October 1944
Flight testing of JB-2s began at Eglin Field,
Florida.
October 1944
General Arnold ordered the production of enough
JB-2s to permit a launch rate of 1,000 per month. This order was
countermanded by the War Department General Staff because of the
disruption it would cause in the production of essential war
materiel.
1 November 1944
The nation's first center devoted to the
research and development of rocket propulsion systems, founded at Cal
Tech in 1936, was reorganized and renamed the Jet Propulsion
Laboratory (JPL).
1 – 16 December 1944
Only 11 months after the start of
Project ORDCIT, 24 Private "A" rockets were launched by the
JPL at Camp Irwin, California. The private "A", a solid
fuel rocket, was the first U.S. military ballistic missile.
7 December 1944
Flight testing of the JB-1 was initiated by
Northrop Aircraft Inc. An improved version of the JB—1, the
JB-10, was developed and tested in 1945.
June 1945
The Army Ground Forces Equipment Review Board
recommended that increased emphasis should be placed on the
development of guided missiles.
August 1945
The first successful chemical-gas,
generator-driven, turbo-pump fed, regeneratively-cooled rocket engine
(XCALT-6000) was delivered to the Army Air Forces by the
Aerojet-General Corporation.
15 September 1945
Production contracts for the JB-2 were
terminated after 1,391 had been delivered to the Army Air Forces.
26 September 1945
The first development flight of an Army WAC
Corporal missile took place at the White Sands Proving Ground, New
Mexico. Built by the Douglas Aircraft Company and Aerojet-General
Corporation under the supervision of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory,
it was the first liquid-propellant rocket developed with U.S.
Government funds.
October – December 1945
The Army Air Forces Air Technical
Service Command solicited proposals from between 15 and 30
contractors on a ten-year research and development program for four
categories of missiles, including long-range strategic missiles.
9 January 1946
Northrop Aircraft Inc. proposed to the Army Air
Forces to conduct a research study of a subsonic surface-to-surface
air-breathing, six-turbojet missile with a range of about 3,000
miles.
26 January 1946
The First Experimental Guided Missiles Group
was created by the Army Air Forces to develop and test missiles at
Eglin Field, Florida.
21 March 1946
The Strategic Air Command was established as one
of the three major combat commands of the United States Army Air
Forces. General Carl Spaatz, Commanding General of the Army Air
Forces, defined the new command's first mission as follows:
"The Strategic Air Command will be prepared to conduct the long range offensive operations in any part of the world either independently or in cooperation with land and naval forces; to conduct maximum range reconnaissance over land or sea either independently or in cooperation with land and naval forces; to provide combat units capable of intense and sustained combat operations employing the latest and most advanced weapons; to train units and personnel for the maintenance of the Strategic Forces in all parts of the world; to perform such special missions as the Commanding General, Army Air Forces may direct."
Creation of the new command was achieved by redesignating Headquarters Continental Air Forces, Boiling Field, Washington, D.C., as Headquarters Strategic Air Command. On 21 October 1946, Headquarters SAC was relocated from Boiling Field, Washington, D.C., to Andrews Field, Maryland.
28 March 1946
The Army Air Forces awarded a contract to
Northrup Aircraft Inc. for one-year study and research project on
both a subsonic (SNARK) and supersonic (BOOJUM) medium to long-range
(1,500 to 5,000-mile) surface-to-surface missile.
29 March 1946
The Army Air Forces awarded a one-year research
and study contract to North American Aviation Inc. for a 175 to
500-mile range surface-to-surface missile. Eventually, after many
revisions, this program concentrated on the development and
production of the Navaho missile, a 5,500-mile range supersonic
surface-to-surface missile which utilized both rocket and ramjet
engines.
March 1946
The Army Air Forces cancelled the JB-1 and JB-10
programs after determining that technical and tactical considerations
did not warrant their continued development .
19 April 1946
The Army Air Forces awarded a research and study
contract to the Consolidated Vultee (Convair) Aircraft Corporation
for a 1,500 to 5,000 mile range surface-to-surface missile in both a
subsonic and supersonic version. This program laid the groundwork for
the eventual development of the Atlas intercontinental ballistic
missile (ICBM).
29 April 1946
The Bell Aircraft Corporation was awarded a
contract by the Army Air Forces to conduct a research and design
study for a 100-mile range subsonic air-to-surface missile later
designated the Rascal.
30 April 1946
A standard system for designating guided missiles
and assigning them popular names was adopted by the Army and the
Navy. The basic designation that was adopted was a three-letter
combination of the four letters— A (air), S (surface), U
(underwater), and M (missile). The first letter would indicate the
origin of the missile, the second letter would indicate its
objective, and the third letter, "M", would identify it as
a missile. Thus, a surface-to-air missile would be designated "SAM".
22 May 1946
The first WAC Corporal E was launched at White
Sands, New Mexico. This was the first U.S. ballistic missile to use a
guidance system (a radar, ground controlled system).
June 1947
As a result of a tremendous reduction in its missile
development funds in December 1946, the Army Air Forces cancelled
many of its missile research and study contracts, including the one
with Consolidated Vultee (Convair) Aircraft Corporation for a 1,500
to 5,000-mile range surface-to-surface missile in both a subsonic and
supersonic version. However, the Army Air Forces did allow Convair to
use the remaining unexpended funds to complete and flight test three
rocket research test vehicles then under construction and to continue
studies on guidance and nose-cone reentry.
26 July 1947
President Harry S. Truman signed the National
Security Act of 1947 which created a Department of the Air Force,
coequal with the Army and the Navy, and established a National
Military Establishment (NME) under the control and direction of the
Secretary of Defense.
15 September 1947
Under the provisions of the "Army-Air
Force Agreements as to the Initial Implementation of the National
Security Act of 1947," approved by Secretary of Defense James V.
Forrestal on 14 October 1947, the Air Force was given control over
all surface-to-surface "pilotless aircraft" and strategic
missiles. The latter were defined as missiles employed against
targets whose destruction would not directly affect Army tactical
operations. The Army, in turn, was assigned control of all tactical
missiles, defined as those missiles supporting land operations and
used against targets whose destruction would directly affect Army
tactical operations. With regard to surface-to-air missiles, the Air
Force would control all area air defense missiles while the Army
would control all missiles used to protect Army field forces from air
attack.
10 February 1948
Major General Clements McMullen, SAC Deputy
Commander, decided that the Assistant Chief of Staff/Supply and
Maintenance (A-4) should be the monitoring agency for all guided
missile programs.
13 May 1948
First Bumper-WAC missile launched at White Sands,
New Mexico. It was the first U.S. built two stage rocket.
26 May 1948
The first Navaho research test vehicle (NATIV) was
successfully launched at the White Sands Proving Ground, New Mexico.
13 July 1948
The first of three rocket research test vehicles
constructed by the Consolidated Vultee (Convair) Aircraft Corporation
under its now-cancelled research and study contract with the Army Air
Forces was successfully launched. It was the first demonstrated use
of gimballed engines and design features later incorporated in the
Atlas ICBM. The other two Convair research test vehicles were
successfully launched on 27 September and 2 December 1948.
9 November 1948
Headquarters Strategic Air Command moved from
Andrews AFB, Maryland, to Offutt AFB, Nebraska.
11 May 1949
President Truman signed a bill providing for the
creation of a 5,000 mile guided missile test range which was
subsequently established at Cape Canaveral, Florida. Initially
designated the Atlantic Missile Range on 1 May 1958, and redesignated
again, this time to Eastern Test Range, on 15 May 1964.
21 March 1950
Secretary of Defense Louis A. Johnson approved
the recommendations of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on missile
operational responsibility assignments. These recommendations were
(1) that the Army and Navy be given operational responsibility for
surface-to-air missiles which extended the range of antiaircraft
artillery and short-range surface-to-surface missiles used in place
of field artillery and naval guns, (2) that the Air Force and Navy be
given operational responsibility for air-launched missiles and for
surface-to-air missiles which supplemented interceptor aircraft, (3)
that the Navy be given operational responsibility tor
surface-to-surface missiles that replaced naval aircraft- (4) that
the Army and Air Force be given operational responsibility for
surface-to-surface missiles that replaced close support aircraft, and
finally, (5) that the Air Force be given operational responsibility
for surface-to-surface missiles that replaced aircraft other than
close support aircraft.
3 May 1950
First flight test of North American Aviation's Mark
X-1 inertial guidance system for Navaho in a C-47. It was the first
U.S. inertial guidance system tested.
24 July 1950
First missile launched from Cape Canaveral,
Florida. It was a V-2 with a WAC Corporal upper stage.
Fall 1950
Headquarters SAC created a position in the Programs
Division of the Directorate of Plans for a guided missile project
officer who had as his principal function the monitoring of the Air
Force Guided Missiles Program as it pertained to SAC.
16 January 1951
Headquarters USAF directed the Air Materiel
Command to establish a study project (later designated Project Atlas)
with the Consolidated Vultee (Convair) Aircraft Corporation for an
intercontinental rocket missile with a minimum range of 5,500 miles,
a minimum speed of Mach 6 over the target, a circular error probable
(CEP) of 1,500 feet, and a nuclear warhead. Convair was officially
awarded the study contract on 23 January 1951.
April 1951
Headquarters SAC published Preliminary Plans for
Activation and Employment of USAF Guided Missile Units.
16 April 1951
The first successful sled launch of a Snark
research test vehicle took place at Holloman AFB, New Mexico.
September 1951
Headquarters USAF directed that all work on
Project Atlas be directed towards the development of a rocket-powered
ballistic missile rather than a rocket-powered glide missile. The
decision to go ballistic rather than glide on the intercontinental
missile was made for reasons of performance and cost.
28 July 1952
SAC representatives presented a "general
operational concept of operations and maintenance" for Snark,
Rascal, and Navaho at a conference at HQ USAF.
August 1952
Headquarters USAF established a requirement for a
radar-busting air-to-surface missile later designated the Crossbow.
30 September 1952
The first
successful powered flight of a Rascal research test vehicle
took place at Holloman AFB, New Mexico.
13 October 1952
The Strategic Air Command submitted a
requirement to Headquarters USAF for an air-launched decoy missile
capable of confusing, diluting, saturating or otherwise degrading an
enemy's radar defenses. Headquarters USAF, in turn, directed the Air
Research and Development Command (ARDC) to initiate a study exploring
the technological feasibility, costs, and other pertinent features of
such a proposed weapon system. This laid the groundwork for the
eventual development of the Quail missile.
26 November 1952
The first successful test launch of a Snark
research test vehicle from a zero-length launcher took place at Cape
Canaveral, Florida. A zero-length launcher was a launcher too short
to affect a missile's flight path, but long enough to hold it in
launch position.
January 1953
Headquarters USAF awarded a research and
development contract to Northrop Aircraft Inc. for the Crossbow
missi1e.
6 August 1953
A Snark research test vehicle of the N-69A
configuration was flight tested for the first time at Cape Canaveral,
Florida. The N-69A configuration incorporated design changes
necessary to meet new Air Force specifications for increased range
and warhead payload. The missile was lengthened from 50 to 68 feet,
and the flying gross weight was increased from 28,000 to 49,000
pounds.
31 October 1953
Mr. Trevor Gardner, Special Assistant to the
Secretary of the Air Force for Research and Development, asked eleven
prominent scientists to form a committee (later designated the
Strategic Missiles Evaluation Committee) to review and evaluate the
Air Force missile programs. At the same time, Gardner engaged the
newly-established Ramo-Woldridge Corporation to provide the committee
with administrative support and perform technical studies in the
areas of missile guidance, propulsion, and warhead reentry.
8 February 1954
A RAND Corporation study entitled A Revised
Program for Ballistic Missiles of Intercontinental Range, prepared by
Dr. B.W. Augenstein, indicated that an Initial Operational Capability
(IOC) for the Atlas ICBM could be attained by the early 1960s if
performance characteristics were relaxed and increased funds and a
higher national priority were given to the program.
10 February 1954
The Strategic Missiles Evaluation Committee,
headed by Dr. John von Neumann, reported the possibility of a major
technological breakthrough on nuclear warhead size and the probable
resolution of other technical problems associated with the
development of ICBMs within a few years. It recommended that a
special Air Force development-management group be established to
accelerate the ICBM program.
26 February 1954
Headquarters USAF awarded a contract for the
MA-2 propulsion system for the Atlas ICBM to the Rocketdyne Division
of North American Aviation Inc. Rocketdyne already possessed
invaluable propulsion system experience derived from its development
of the regeneratively-cooled engine employed on the Navaho missile.
1 July 1954
The Air Research and Development Command created
the Western Development Division at Inglewood, California, under the
command of Brigadier General Bernard A. Schriever. The Western
Development Division was assigned specific responsibility for, and
authority over, the Atlas ICBM development program.
21 July 1954
The United States Air Force Atlas Scientific
Advisory Committee recommended that a second airframe configuration
(different from Atlas) be developed for an intercontinental ballistic
missile. This laid the groundwork for the eventual development of the
Titan ICBM.
11 August 1954
Headquarters USAF issued General Operational
Requirement (GOR) 21 for the Atlas ICBM.
2 December 1954
Headquarters USAF issued General Operational
Requirement (GOR) 50 for the Thor intermediate-range ballistic
missile (IRBM).
January 1955
The Air Force and the Convair Division of General
Dynamics signed a production contract for the Atlas D, the first
operational version of the Atlas ICBM.
4 January 1955
The Aerojet-General Corporation began research
and development of the rocket engines and associated ground support
equipment for the second airframe configuration (Titan) for an ICBM.
14 February 1955
The Technological Capabilities Panel of the
Science Advisory Committee, Office of Defense Management, issued a
report on its findings and recommendations concerning the nation's
current defense measures. This study or Killian Report, recommended
that the National Security Council (NSC) and the President recognize
the Air Force ballistic missile program as a national effort of the
highest priority. In addition, the report also strongly urged the
concurrent development of 1,500-mile intermediate-range ballistic
missile (IRBM).
10 May 1955
Headquarters USAF issued General Operational
Requirement (GOR) 91 for a surface-launched, turbojet subsonic decoy
missile designed to simulate a B-47 or B-52 on enemy radar screens.
This missile was later designated the Goose.
May 1955
The General Electric Company began research and
development of a reentry vehicle (Mark II) for the Atlas ICBM.
June 1955
The Rascal missile program underwent a major
reorganization. The B-36 was eliminated from planning as a carrier of
the Rascal, the missile's warhead requirements were revised, and all
inertial guidance capability for the missile was deleted.
12 July 1955
Headquarters USAF issued Specific Operational
Requirement (SOR) 104 for the Atlas and Titan ICBMs.
8 September 1955
President Dwight D. Eisenhower assigned the
highest national priority to the ICBM research and development
program.
27 October 1955
Headquarters USAF awarded a research and
development contract to the Glenn L. Martin Aircraft Company for the
Titan ICBM. October 1955
Headquarters USAF awarded a development
contract to Fairchild Aircraft Division, Fairchild Engine and
Airplane Corporation, for the Goose missile.
8 November 1955
Secretary of Defense C. E. Wilson established
the Office of the Secretary of Defense/Ballistic Missile Committee
(OSD/BMC) and assigned it exclusive Defense Department authority to
review and approve all ballistic, missile program requirements. In
addition, Wilson added IRBM #1 (Thor) to the Air Force missile
program and assigned it a priority equal to the ICBM.
8 November 1955
Secretary of Defense Wilson approved the
development of the Army's Jupiter IRBM primarily as a ship-launched
IRBM and secondarily as an alternate (IRBM #2) to the Air Force's
Thor IRBM (IRBM #1).
14 November 1955
Secretary of the Air Force Donald A. Quarles
created the Air Force Ballistic Missile Committee as the single point
of contact and decision-making body for the Air Force ballistic
missile program. The committee consisted of the Secretary of the Air
Force, the Assistant Secretaries of the Air Force for Research and
Development, Financial Management, and Materiel, and the Air Force
Assistant Chief of Staff for Guided Missiles.
18 November 1955
Headquarters USAF placed the responsibility
for establishing an Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for ICBMs on
the Air Research and Development Command, in cooperation with the
Strategic Air Command. ARDC's Western Development Division would have
command jurisdiction until the completion of the IOC, then it would
be transferred to SAC.
26 November 1955
A Snark research test vehicle of the N-69D
configuration was flight tested for the first time at Cape Canaveral,
Florida. The N-69D configuration was the first model Snark research
test vehicle to utilize a stellar inertial guidance system.
1 December 1955
President Eisenhower assigned the highest
national priority to the IRBM development programs, thus placing them
on an equal footing with the ICBM development program.
27 December 1955
Headquarters USAF awarded a research and
development contract to the Douglas Aircraft Company for the airframe
of the Thor IRBM.
January 1956
The General Electric Company began research and
development of a reentry vehicle (Mark II) for the Thor IRBM.
18 January 1956
Headquarters USAF issued General Operational
Requirement (GOR) 139 for a short-range air-launched decoy missile
designed to simulate the B-52 on enemy radar screens. This missile
was later designated the Quail.
1 February 1956
The Air Materiel Command (AMC) informed the
McDonnell Aircraft Company of its selection as prime contractor for
the Quail missile.
23 February 1956
Secretary of the Air Force Donald A. Quarles
directed the acceleration of the Navaho missile program and assigned
it an overall priority and precedence rating second only to the ICBM
and IRBM programs.
14 March 1956
The first attempted launch of a Jupiter A
research test vehicle at Cape Canaveral, Florida, was successful.
15 March 1956
Headquarters USAF issued General Operational
Requirement (GOR) 148 for an air-to-surface missile to be carried on
the B-52 strategic bomber. This led to the eventual development of
the Hound Dog missile.
22 March 1956
Headquarters USAF placed the responsibility for
establishing an Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for ICBMs
jointly on the ARDC and SAC. Eight Thor squadrons (120 missiles) were
to be deployed and made operational at three bases in the United
Kingdom between October 1958 and July 1959. ARDC was responsible for
all actions required in the United States, while SAC was responsible
for all actions required in the United Kingdom.
7 May 1956
ARDC and SAC completed an agreement on mutual
responsibilities for the establishment of an IOC for IRBMs. ARDC's
Western Development Division would be responsible for developing,
manning, training, and equipping operational units in accordance with
ARDC-SAC planning. SAC would be responsible for the overseas
deployment of the operational units and their upgrade training to
combat readiness.
11 June 1956
The United States Army awarded a contract to the
Chrysler Corporation for the production of the Jupiter IRBM.
1 August 1956
The requirement for a SAC Strategic Missiles
Monthly Progress Report was established with the issuance of SAC
Staff Memo 11-25.
22 October 1956
Headquarters SAC issued Staff Memo 11-13 which
established a Missile Site Selection Panel and a Missile Advisory
Committee.
26 October 1956
The Douglas Aircraft Company delivered the
first Thor IRBM to the Air Force.
14 November 1956
Headquarters USAF revised the scope of the
Crossbow missile program and directed that it be limited to the
development of a radar seeking guidance system only.
16 November 1956
Secretary of Defense Wilson approved the
transfer of the northern portion of Camp Cooke, California, from the
Department of the Army to the Air Force. This base was to serve both
as a training site for the Thor, Atlas, and Titan missiles, and as an
emergency operational facility for Atlas ICBM.
26 November 1956
Secretary of Defense Wilson issued a "Roles
and Mission" directive to the Armed Forces Policy Council which
fixed the areas of jurisdiction of the three armed services with
regard to missiles. The Army was given operational jurisdiction over
surface-to-surface missiles with a range of up to 200 miles and
surface-to-air missiles with a range of up to 100 miles. The Navy was
assigned operational jurisdiction over all ship-based missiles.
Finally, the Air Force received operational jurisdiction over
surface-to-surface missiles with a range greater than 200 miles and
surface-to-air missiles with a range greater than 100 miles.
10 January 1957
The Department of Defense assigned the highest
national priority to both ICBM and IRBM contracts and purchase
orders.
5 March 1957
Headquarters USAF issued new IOC directives for
both ICBMs and IRBMs. The new ICBM IOC called for a force of 80
missiles (40 Atlas and 40 Titan) to be operational between March 1959
and March 1961. The new IRBM IOC called for a force of 60 missiles to
be operational between July 1959 and July 1960.
21 March 1957
Headquarters USAF approved the selection of
Presque Isle AFB, Maine, as the site of the first Snark missile base.
1 July 1957
ARDC activated the 704th Strategic Missile Wing at
Cooke AFB, California. This was the first Air Force ballistic missile
wing.
12 July 1957
Headquarters USAF directed the cancellation of the
Navaho missile program. Despite the fact that the Navaho had never
reached the operational stage, the missile program itself provided
invaluable technological "fallout"; the Navaho rocket
booster, with modifications, was utilized in the Atlas TCBM and the
Thor IRBM, while the missile's inertial guidance system was adopted
for use in the Polaris, Hound Dog, and Minuteman missiles.
23 August 1957
Headquarters USAF awarded a development contract
to North American Aviation Inc. for the Hound Dog missile. The Hound
Dog was a turbojet powered, inertially guided air-to-surface missile
for the B-52.
26 August 1957
The Soviet Union announced that it had
successfully launched an intercontinental ballistic, missile.
20 September 1957
The first successful launch of a Thor IRBM
took place at Cape Canaveral, Florida.
4 October 1957
The Soviet Union launched Sputnik I into orbit
around the earth.
5 October 1957
Secretary of Defense Wilson gave full approval
and authorized funding at all levels for the first ICBM Initial
Operational Capability (IOC) program. This program called for the
deployment of four Atlas and four Titan I ICBM squadrons by December
1962.
22 October 1957
The first flight test of a prototype Jupiter
IRBM equipped with an all-inertial guidance system was successful.
This missile was launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, down the
Atlantic Missile Range.
31 October 1957
The first full-range flight test of a prototype
Snark missile (N-69E configuration) was an overwhelming success. The
missile, launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, flew 5,000 miles down
the Atlantic Missile-Range and its reentry vehicle landed in the
target area near Ascension Island.
21 November 1957
DOD announced that the first ICBM base would
be Francis E. Warren AFB, Wyoming.
23 November 1957
The Department of Defense authorized the
peacetime launching of ballistic, missiles from Cooke AFB,
California.
27 November 1957
Secretary of Defense Neil H. McElroy announced
the decision to place both the Air Force's Thor and the Army's
Jupiter IRBMs into production. McElroy directed Headquarters USAF to
proceed with the operational deployment of both of these missiles.
The first units were scheduled to be ready for deployment by December
1958.
29 November 1957
General Thomas D. White, Chief of Staff,
United States Air Force, announced the decision to transfer the 1st
Missile Division and the responsibility for establishing the Initial
Operational Capability (IOC) for ICBMs and IRBMs from the Air
Research and Development Command to the Strategic Air Command.
7 December 1957
The first fully-successful test of a Thor IRBM
equipped with an all-inertial guidance system took place at Cape
Canaveral, Florida.
15 December 1957
Headquarters SAC activated the 556th Strategic
Missile Squadron (TCM-Snark) at Patrick AFB, Florida. This was SAC's
first Snark and the first missile squadron. The 556th SMS was
responsible for training Snark missile crews and conducting test
launches of the Snark missile.
17 December 1957
The first fully-successful flight test of a
Series A Atlas ICBM took place at Cape Canaveral, Florida. The Series
A Atlas ICBM was equipped with booster but not sustainer engines and
was incapable of achieving staging (stage separation) during flight.
1 January 1958
Headquarters USAF transferred the 1st Missile
Division, the 704th Strategic Missile Wing and other units at Cooke
AFB, California, from ARDC to SAC. The 704th was SAC's first
ballistic missile wing.
1 January 1958
Headquarters USAF transferred Cooke AFB,
California, from ARDC to SAC.
1 January 1958
Headquarters SAC established the Office of
Assistant CINCSAC (SAC MIKE) at Inglewood, California. This position
was designated to serve as an extension of Headquarters SAC and was
responsible for working closely with the Air Force Ballistic Missile
Division of ARDC to provide SAC with the latest information relating
to ballistic missile programs.
4 January 1958
Army awarded the Chrysler Corporation a $51.8
million dollar contract for the production of the Jupiter IRBM.
15 January 1958
Headquarters SAC activated the 864th Strategic
Missile Squadron (IRBM-Jupiter) at the Army Ballistic Missile Agency,
Huntsville, Alabama, and assigned it to the 1st Missile Division.
This was the first of three SAC Jupiter squadrons activated at the
Redstone Arsenal during 1958 (the second, the 865th Strategic Missile
Squadron, was activated on 1 June, while the third, the 866th
Strategic Missile Squadron was activated on 1 September) in order to
carry out the SAC responsibility of training Italian and Turkish
crews in the operation of the Jupiter IRBM.
31 January 1958
First U.S. satellite to go into orbit. Explorer
I, launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, by U.S. Army on a
Jupiter-C.
1 February 1958
An agreement was signed between the United
States and the United Kingdom which provided for the deployment of
four Thor IRBM squadrons (3x5) to Great Britain, the first squadron
to be operational by December 1958. The Thor was a single stage
liquid fuel rocket with all— inertial guidance. In the squadron
configuration equation the first number indicates the number of
launchers handled by each control center, the other number is the
number of control centers in the squadron.
1 February 1958
Headquarters SAC activated its first Atlas
missile wing at F. K. Warren AFB, Wyoming, the 4320th Strategic Wing
(missile).
12 February 1958
The Department, of Defense transferred
executive responsibility for the Jupiter IRBM from the Department of
the Army to the Air Force.
17 February 1958
A prototype Rascal missile was successfully
launched over the Atlantic Missile Range for the first time by a crew
of the 445th Bomb Squadron (B-47) Pinecastle AFB, Florida.
20 February 1958
Headquarters SAC activated the 705th Strategic
Missile Wing (IRBM-Thor) at Lakenheath RAF Station, Creat Britain,
and assigned it to the Seventh Air Division. Within a short period of
time, the 705th SMW was transferred to South Ruislip and merged with
Headquarters Seventh Air Division. It was responsible for monitoring
the Thor IRBM program in the United Kingdom and for providing
technical assistance to the four RAF Thor IRBM squadrons.
23 February 1958
Headquarters SAC inactivated the 4320th
Strategic Wing at F. E. Warren AFB, Wyoming and in its stead
activated the 706th Strategic Missile Wing (ICBM-Atlas).
23 February 1958
Headquarters SAC transferred the 864th
Strategic Missile Squadron (IRBM-Jupiter) from Huntsville, Alabama,
to Cooke AFB, California.
27 February 1958
Headquarters USAF secured the approval of the
Department of Defense for a new program to produce an advanced
solid-propellant ICBM with a variable range of from 500 to
5,500-miles and with the capability of being launched from hardened
underground silos. This new missile was designated Minuteman.
6 March 1958
Northrop Aircraft Inc. delivered the first
production model Snark missile to the Air Force.
13 March 1958
The Air Force Ballistic Missile Committee
approved the selection of Lowry AFB, Colorado, as the site of the
first Titan I ICBM base.
1 April 1958
Headquarters SAC activated the 576th Strategic
Missile Squadron (ICBM-Atlas) at Cooke AKB, California. It was SAC's
first ICBM squadron and first Atlas squadron. Initially, it consisted
of two "soft" Series D Atlas complexes (576A and 576B). The
first had three gantries while the second had three above ground
coffin launchers similar to those planned for the first squadron in
the field. Each complex had one launch control center. Thus, the
squadron had a 3x2 configuration. Later additions to the 576SMS were
one Series E Atlas buried coffin launcher (576C) and two Series F
Atlas hardened silo-lift launchers (576D and E). The Series D Atlas
was the first operational configuration of the one and a half stage
liquid fueled Atlas. It had more powerful engines than early research
and development models, improved ground radio-inertial guidance and
an ablative reentry vehicle. The Series E/F Atlas missile had even
stronger engines, used all inertial guidance and an improved ablative
reentry vehicle. Each successive model had a better reaction time and
improved survivability.
17 April 1958
The Air Force Ballistic Missile Committee
directed that, beginning with the second Atlas ICBM squadron of the
706th Strategic Missile Wing, at Francis E. Warren AFB, Wyoming, each
Atlas squadron be designed in the 3x3 configuration.
22 April 1958
Headquarters USAF and the Department of Defense
agreed, for planning purposes, upon the establishment of a 12
squadron IRBM force (9 Thor and 3 Jupiter).
24 April 1958
Headquarters USAF expanded the programmed Atlas
ICBM force to nine squadrons, the last seven of which were to be
dispersed in the 3x3 configuration. Once the fifth squadron became
operational, the Atlas ICBM would incorporate an all-inertial
guidance system and its launch and support facilities would be
hardened to withstand 25 pounds per square inch (psi) of
overpressure.
18 May 1958
A full-scale ablative type nose cone was recovered
from the Atlantic Ocean for the first time four and one-half hours
after it had been launched on a Jupiter IRBM from Cape Canaveral,
Florida.
23 May 1958
Headquarters USAF created the first distinctive
missile badge that recognized and identified those individuals within
the Air Force who, by virtue of their job assignment, had a direct
role in missile operations and maintenance.
4 June 1958
A Thor IRBM was successfully launched for the first
time from a tactical-type launcher at Cape Canaveral, Florida. This
type of launcher was the prototype of the regular field-deployed
launcher scheduled to be utilized by operational Thor IRBM squadrons.
7 June 1958
Secretary of Defense Donald A. Quarles approved
plans for the construction of the first Titan I ICBM squadrons in a
configuration designed to provide protection against 100 pounds per
square inch (psi) of overpressure.
7 June 1958
Construction began on Atlas 1CBM launch and support
facilities at the 706th Strategic Missile Wing, Francis E. Warren
AFB, Wyoming.
17 June 1958
The Air Force accepted delivery of the first Titan
I ICBM from the Martin Company, formerly the Glenn L. Martin Aircraft
Company.
27 June 1958
SAC launched its first Snark missile. Launch
performed by 556th Strategic Missile Squadron, Patrick AFB, Florida.
July 1958
Headquarters USAF awarded a contract to the
Autonetics Division of North American Aviation, Inc. for the
development of an all-inertial guidance system for the Minuteman
ICBM.
1 July 1958
Headquarters SAC activated the 564th Strategic
Missile Squadron (ICBM-Atlas D) at Francis E. Warren AFB, Wyoming. It
had a 3x2 configuration.
18 July 1958
The Air Force Ballistic Missile Committee approved
the deployment of all Titan I ICBM squadrons in a 3x3 dispersal
configuration.
21 July 1958
Headquarters USAF announced the selection of five
companies to do research and development work on the
solid-propellant, variable-range Minuteman ICBM.
31 July 1958
Construction began at Cooke AFB, California, on
the Operational System Test Facility (OSTF) for the Titan I ICBM.
This was the prototype of the hardened Titan I launch control
facility and consisted of one silo-lift launcher, blockhouse, and
associated equipment.
August 1958
Chrysler Corporation delivered the first production
model Jupiter IRBM to the United States Army.
2 August 1958
The first successful launch of a Series B Atlas
ICBM (boosters and sustainers) took place at Cape Canaveral, Florida.
During its flight down the Atlantic Missile Range, the missile
underwent the first successful staging (stage separation) of a U.S.
ICBM.
6 August 1958
Headquarters USAF issued General Operational
Requirement (GOR) 171 for the Minuteman ICBM.
12 August 1958
The first Thor IRBM arrived at Cooke AFB,
California.
15 August 1958
The first successful powered flight of a Quail
research test vehicle took place at Holloman AFB, New Mexico. The
missile, launched from a B-52 at 30,000 feet, flew for 14 minutes and
covered 103 miles.
19 September 1958
The first Thor IRBM was delivered to the
Royal Air Force (77th RAF Strategic Missile Squadron) at Feltwell,
England.
25 September 1958
Headquarters SAC activated the first Titan I
ICBM wing, the 703d Strategic Missile Wing (ICBM-Titan I) at Lowry
AFB, Colorado. It would have two 3x3 squadrons. The Titan I was a
two-stage liquid fuel rocket. It used radio—inertial guidance,
the same reentry vehicle as Atlas E/F and was installed in a
silo-lift launcher.
30 September 1958
The Department of Defense announced that
Italy had agreed to plans for the construction of Jupiter IRBM bases
on Italian soil.
4 October 1958
Cooke AFB, California, was renamed Vandenberg
AFB in honor of the late General Hoyt S. Vandenberg, former Chief of
Staff, United States Air Force.
9 October 1958
Headquarters USAF awarded an assembly and test
contract for the Minuteman ICBM to the Boeing Airplane Company.
16 October 1958
The first Atlas ICBM launcher (576A-1)
constructed at Vandenberg AFB, California, was accepted from the
contractor by the 1st Missile Division.
5 November 1958
An interservice agreement was concluded between
the Army and the Air Force which turned over responsibility for the
operational employment of the Jupiter IRBM to the Air Force.
5 November 1958
Formal agreement between Army and USAF on
Jupiter program management:
(1) Army - responsibility for development and production.
(2) USAF - responsibility for deployment and operational readiness.
(3) Army pays costs through FY 58; AF assumes it in FY 59.
(4) Training:
(a) Army provides individual training until 30 Jun 60.
(b) AF responsible for training crews and units. Army will help in initial crew training with instruction, etc.
26 November 1958
The first successful launch of an
operationally configured Thor IRBM took place at Cape Canaveral,
Florida.
28 November 1958
The first full-range flight test of a Series B
Atlas ICBM was successful. The missile, launched from Cape Canaveral,
Florida, flew over 5,500 nautical miles down the Atlantic Missile
Range and its reentry vehicle impacted close to the target area.
29 November 1958
Headquarters USAF canceled the Rascal missile
program in favor of the Hound Dog and Quail missile programs which
showed more promise of being effective weapon systems.
1 December 1958
Headquarters SAC activated the 565th Strategic
Missile Squadron (ICBM-Atlas D) at Francis E. Warren AFB, Wyoming.
With the activation of this squadron, the 3x3 dispersal configuration
was implemented for the first time.
5 December 1958
The last flight test of a Goose research test
vehicle, conducted at Cape Canaveral, Florida, was successful.
12 December 1958
Headquarters USAF terminated the Goose missile
program.
16 December 1958
Two attempted Thor IRBM launches, one at Cape
Canaveral, Florida, the other at Vandenberg AFB, California, were
successful. The Thor launch from Vandenberg, the first launch from
that base, inaugurated the intermediate-range ballistic missile
portion of the Pacific Missile Range and was fired by a crew from the
1st Missile Division.
19 December 1958
SAC stated a qualitative operational
requirement for a positive control communications backup system using
a rocket-borne transmitter.
20 December 1958
The first attempted launch of a Titan I ICBM
at Cape Canaveral, Florida, was unsuccessful.
23 December 1958
The first Series C Atlas ICBM successfully
launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, flew approximately 4,300 miles
down the Atlantic Missile Range. This was the first flight test of
the General Electric Mod III radio-inertial guidance system.
31 December 1958
Headquarters USAF awarded the McDonnell
Aircraft Corporation a production contract for the Quail missile.
1 January 1959
Headquarters SAC activated the 702d Strategic
Missile Wing (ICM-Snark) at Presque Isle AFB, Maine, and assigned it
to the Eighth Air Force. This was the first SAC missile wing to be
assigned to a numbered air force. On 1 April 1959, Headquarters SAC
assigned the 556th Strategic Missile Squadron (ICM-Snark), Patrick
AFB, Florida, to the 702d SMW. The 556th SMS was scheduled to move to
Presque Isle in July, but before this action could be taken,
Headquarters SAC inactivated the squadron on 15 July 1959. This
action, combined with the cancellation of the programmed activation
of the 702d Missile Maintenance Squadron, left the 702d SMW in the
unique-position of having no subordinate units. All operational and
maintenance functions associated with the Snark were carried out by
the 702d SMW's deputy commander for missiles.
21 January 1959
The first successful launch of an operationally
configured Jupiter IRBM took place at Cape Canaveral, Florida.
22 January 1959
Headquarters USAF issued General Operational
Requirement (GOR) 177 for an air-to-surface strategic ballistic
missile to be carried on the B-52. This missile was later designated
the Skybolt.
6 February 1959
The first successful launch of a Titan I ICBM
took place at Cape Canaveral, Florida.
18 February 1959
The first Series D Atlas ICBM was delivered to
Vandenberg AFB, California. It was accepted by SAC's 576 SMS.
26 March 1959
An agreement was signed between the United States
and Italy governing the deployment of two squadrons (3x5) of Jupiter
IRBMs to Italy. The Jupiter was a single stage, liquid fueled rocket
with all-inertial guidance.
6 April 1959
The first full-range flight test of a production
model Snark missile was successful. The missile, launched from Cape
Canaveral, Florida, flew over 5,000 miles down the Atlantic Missile
Range and its reentry vehicle impacted in the target area.
16 April 1959
The first successful launch of a Thor IRBM by a
Royal Air Force crew took place at Vandenberg AFB, California. This
launch was part of integrated weapon system training.
23 April 1959
The first flight test of a prototype Hound Dog
missile was conducted at Eglin AFB, Florida. It was launched from a
B-52.
April 1959
Secretary of Defense Neil McElroy approved a
one-year schedule acceleration of the Minuteman program. The
immediate objectives of this accelerated program were to have 150
Minuteman missiles operational by mid-1963, 445 by January 1964, and
about 800 by mid-1964. The approval for the acceleration of the
Minuteman program did not include authority to begin missile
production.
1 May 1959
Construction began at Lowry AFB, Colorado, on the
first Titan I ICBM launch and support facilities.
6 May 1959
Headquarters USAF declared the Jupiter IRBM to be
operational following the successful 1,500-mile flight of the
sixteenth Jupiter launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida.
15 May 1959
The Air Force Ballistic Missile Division submitted
a revised Minuteman ICBM development plan to the Air Force Ballistic.
Missile Committee which contained a provision for the development of
an operational rail-mobility system.
26 May 1959
Headquarters USAF awarded a contract to the.Douglas
Aircraft Company for advanced design studies of the Skybolt missile.
27 May 1959
The first Snark missile was delivered to the 702d
Strategic Missile Wing at Presque Isle AFB, Maine.
22 June 1959
Headquarters SAC transferred the first
British-based operational Thor IRBM squadron (77th Royal Air Force
Strategic Missile Squadron) to the Royal Air Force. The squadron's
warheads, however, remained in SAC's custody and possession until
such time as they were released for launch by an American warhead
release order. In addition, SAC assigned a detachment to each of the
RAF IRBM squadrons to perform the following functions: (1) retain
custody and control and provide maintenance for reentry vehicles and
warheads; (2) receive and initiate U.S. warhead release order; (3)
operate USAF communication facilities, and (4) provide training to
the RAF.
23 July 1959
Construction began at Vandenberg AFB, California,
on the first Series E Atlas ICBM coffin-type launcher (Atlas
operational system test facility #1). In the Atlas E coffin-type
launcher, the missile was stored in a horizontal position in a
concrete coffin buried in the ground. A heavily-reinforced concrete
roof covered the launcher and provided protection against nuclear
blast. In order to launch the missile, it was first necessary to
retract the concrete roof and raise the missile to a vertical
position.
1 July 1959
Headquarters SAC inactivated the 704th Strategic
Missile Wing at Vandenberg AFB, California.
28 July 1959
The first successful launch of a Series D Atlas
ICBM took place at Cape Canaveral, Florida.
15 August 1959
Headquarters SAC activated the 566th Strategic
Missile Squadron (ICBM-Atlas D) at Offutt AFB, Nebraska. This was the
last Series D Atlas squadron to be activated.
4 September 1959
Headquarters USAF assigned a "DX"
rating (highest national priority) to the Minuteman ICBM program.
9 September 1959
Following the first successful launch of a
Series D Atlas ICBM from Vandenberg AFB, California, General Thomas
S. Power, CINCSAC, declared the Atlas ICBM to he operational.
15 September 1959
The first attempted silo launch of a
Minuteman ICBM, tethered to the ground by 2,000 feet of nylon cable,
was successfully conducted at the Air Force Rocket Propulsion
Laboratory at Edwards AFB, California. This launch, which utilized a
Minuteman ICBM with a partially charged first stage and dummy second
and third stages, was the first of eight such tethered silo launches
conducted between 15 September and 6 May 1960.
28 September 1959
The first Series D Atlas ICBM was deployed to
a field unit outside of Vandenberg. This ICBM went to the 564th SMS
at F. E. Warren AFB, Wyoming.
October 1959
Headquarters USAF approved the development of an
improved Titan ICBM, the Titan II. This missile would possess an
all-inertial guidance system and non-cryogenic propellants and would
be launched from a hardened underground silo.
6 October 1959
The first combat training launch of a Thor IRBM
by a Royal Air Force crew at Vandenberg AFB, California, was
successful.
13 October 1959
Last of twelve Bold Orion air launched
ballistic missiles flew 1,000 miles down the Atlantic Missile Range.
This air-to-surface missile, launched from a B-47, concluded the
feasibility demonstration program for what would be the SKYBOLT.
15 October 1959
The Air Force Ballistic Missile Committee
approved the selection of Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, as the site of
the first Titan II ICBM base.
31 October 1959
The first American ICBM equipped with a nuclear
warhead went on alert at Vandenberg AFB, California. It was a Series
D Atlas ICBM (AFSN 58-2190) on launcher 576A-1.
3 November 1959
An ICBM was successfully transported by air for
the first time when a Series D Atlas ICBM was airlifted from San
Diego, California, to Francis E. Warren AFB, Wyoming, by a C-133B.
4 November 1959
Construction began on the first Series F Atlas
ICBM "silo-lift" launcher (Atlas operational system test
facility #2) at Vandenberg AFB, California. In a "silo-lift"
launcher, the missile was stored in a vertical position, on its
launcher, in a hardened underground silo. Prior to launch, the
missile and its launcher were elevated, i.e., "lifted," to
the top of the silo.
11 December 1959
The United States and the United Kingdom
signed a governmental paper which stated that the Thor IRBM had
"satisfactorily demonstrated" operational capability.
21 December 1959
General Power, CINCSAC, formally accepted the
first production model Hound Dog missile at North American Aviation's
Downey, California, plant.
23 December 1959
The Air Force Ballistic Missile Committee
approved the selection of Malmstrom AFB, Montana, as the site of the
first Minuteman ICBM base.
31 December 1959
During 1959, SAC test-launched one Series D
Atlas ICBM from Vandenberg AFB, California.
1 January 1960
Responsibility for integrated weapon system
training for the Jupiter IRBM was transferred from SAC to the Air
Training Command (ATC).
14 January 1960
First feasibility test launch of a rocket-borne
transmitter conducted at Eglin AFB, Florida.
1 February 1960
Headquarters SAC activated the 848th SMS
(ICBM-Titan I) at Lowry AFB, Colorado. It was SAC's first Titan I
squadron.
4 February 1960
The last research and development launch of a
Jupiter IRBM at Cape Canaveral, Florida, was successful.
24 February 1960
The first full-range flight test of a Titan I
ICBM was successful. The missile, launched from Cape Canaveral,
Florida, traveled 5,000 miles down the Atlantic Missile Range and its
reentry vehicle impacted in the target area.
27 February 1960
First Quail missile was assigned to a SAC
unit, the 4135th Strategic Wing, Eglin AFB, Florida. It was a flight
test missile.
29 February 1960
Flight testing of IRBMs at Cape Canaveral,
Florida, came to an end with the successful launch of a Thor IRBM
equipped with a new 165,000 pound thrust engine.
29 February 1960
First SAC launch of a Hound Dog missile took
place at Patrick AFB, Florida.
1 March 1960
The first successful powered flight of a prototype
Quail missile took place at Holloman AFB, New Mexico.
8 March 1960
The first Series D Atlas ICBM equipped with an
all-inertial guidance system (open loop), intended for use with the
Series E and F Atlas, was successfully launched from Cape Canaveral,
Florida.
18 March 1960
The first Snark missile went on alert at the 702d
Strategic Missile Wing, Presque Isle AFB, Maine.
25 March 1960
The Office of Secretary of Defense/Ballistic
Missile Committee (OSD/BMC) authorized the Air Force to proceed with
its objective of an operational force of 150 Minuteman ICBMs by
mid-1963, using only one production and assembly and recycle (A&R)
facility. The 150 Minute-man ICBMs would be organized into one wing
of three squadrons, with 50 missiles per squadron.
1 April 1960
Headquarters SAC activated the first Series E
Atlas squadron, the 567th Strategic Missile Squadron (1x9), at
Fairchild AFB, Washington.
22 April 1960
The fourth and final British-based Thor IRBM
squadron was turned over to the Royal Air Force by the Strategic Air
Command, thus completing the deployment of this weapon system in the
United Kingdom.
22 April 1960
The first attempted launch of a Series D Atlas
ICBM from a coffin-type launcher (576B-2) at Vandenberg AFB,
California, was successful. This launcher was the prototype of the
ones to be used at the first operational Atlas squadron, the 564th
Strategic Missile Squadron, Francis E. Warren AFB, Wyoming. Following
this successful launch, Major General David Wade, Commander of the
1st Missile Division, declared the coffin-type launcher to be
operational.
May 1960
Headquarters USAF awarded the Martin Company a
research and development contract for the Titan II ICBM.
8 May 1960
The first missile to be removed from an operational
unit and sent to Vandenberg AFB, California, for confidence firing
arrived from a Thor IRBM squadron (98th RAF Strategic Missile
Squadron) in the United Kingdom. Confidence firing was the
predecessor of SAC's operational test program.
3 June 1960
The first Thor IRBM and its warhead were mated in
the United Kingdom at the 77th RAF Strategic Missile Squadron,
Feltwell RAF Station.
6 June 1960
Following a week of discussions, British Minister
of Defense Harold Watkinson and United States Secretary of Defense
Thomas S. Gates, Jr., publicly announced that the United States had
agreed to furnish the United Kingdom with Skybolt air-launched
ballistic missiles for use on British Vulcan II bombers.
8 June 1960
First SAC launch of a Quail missile. The launch
took place over the Eglin Gulf Test Range.
20 – 27 June 1960
In order to determine the feasibility
of deploying Minuteman ICBMs on mobile railroad car launchers,
Headquarters SAC ordered a series of tests to be conducted (Operation
Big Star). Operating out of Hill AFB, Utah, a modified test train
traveled across various railroad routes in the western and central
sections of the United States in order to study such factors as the
ability of the nation's railroads to support mobile missile trains,
problems of communications and control, problems of vibration and its
effect on sensitive missiles and launch equipment, as well as the
human factors involved in the operation of a mobile missile system.
Six trial runs were originally projected, but only four were
necessary to realize all test objectives.
22 June 1960
The first confidence firing launch of a Thor IRBM
at Vandenberg AFB, California, was successful.
11 July 1960
The first Jupiter IRBM was emplaced at an Italian
missile base.
11 July 1960
Headquarters USAF transferred the responsibility
for the activation of missile sites from the Air Research and
Development Command to the Air Materiel Command (later designated the
Air Force Logistics Command).
9 August 1960
The first Series D Atlas ICBM complex at Francis
E. Warren AFB, Wyoming, was turned over to the 564th Strategic
Missile Squadron and declared operational by General Power, CINCSAC.
10 August 1960
The first successful launch of an operationally
con- figured Titan I ICBM took place at Cape Canaveral, Florida.
27 August 1960
The last of four Minuteman ICBM mobile test
trains arrived back at Hill AFB, Utah, and Headquarters USAF
announced that the tests of the Minuteman ICBM mobile concept had
been satisfactorily completed.
2 September 1960
Headquarters SAC declared the entire 564th
Strategic Missile Squadron (ICBM-Atlas D) at Francis E. Warren AFB,
Wyoming, to be operational. This was the first SAC ICBM squadron to
achieve operational status.
13 September 1960
The first production line Quail missiles were
delivered to the 4135th Strategic Wing (B-52G) at Eglin AFB, Florida.
1 October 1960
Headquarters SAC activated the 549th Strategic
Missile Squadron (ICBM-Atlas E) at Francis E. Warren AFB, Wyoming.
This was the last Series E Atlas squadron to be activated.
20 October 1960
The first test launch of a Jupiter IRBM from a
tactical-type launcher employing all tactical handling and launch
equipment was successful. The missile, launched from Cape Canaveral,
Florida, flew 962 nautical miles down the Atlantic Missile Range and
its reentry vehicle impacted in the target area. With this successful
launch, Army test firing responsibilities for this weapon system
ended.
5 November 1960
Headquarters USAF advanced the scheduled
operational date for the first Minuteman ICBM squadron one full year,
from July 1963 to July 1962.
December 1960
Chrysler Corporation completed the production of
Jupiter IRBMs.
1 December 1960
Headquarters SAC activated the 4602d Strategic
Wing
[ICBM-Minuteman (Mobile)] at Hill AFB, Utah.
3 December 1960
The first Series E Atlas ICBM arrived at the
567th Strategic Missile Squadron, Fairchild AFB,
Washington.
3 December 1960
A Titan I test missile exploded in its silo at
Vandenberg AFB, California. There were no injuries. This was the
first silo accident.
5 December 1960
The research and development phase of the Snark
missile program (begun in 1946) came to an end with the successful
launch of the eleventh Snark missile from Cape-Canaveral, Florida.
13 December 1960
OSD/BMC approved a new Minuteman development
plan. For planning purposes only, it raised the force goal from 150
operational missiles by mid-1963 to 540 operational missiles by
mid-1964. Production was to remain at 30 missiles per month. Approval
was given for site selection and land acquisition for the second
Minuteman wing (fourth through sixth Minuteman squadrons) and for the
hardening of Minuteman launch facilities and Minuteman launch control
centers to withstand high overpressures.
22 December 1960
The SKYBOLT missile program was stretched out
and scaled down by the Department of Defense because of the lack of
adequate funding for this weapon system.
31 December 1960
During 1960, SAC test-launched seven Series D
Atlas ICBMs from Vandenberg AFB, California.
23 January 1961
The last attempted launch of a Series D Atlas
ICBM at Cape Canaveral, Florida, was successful. Of the 49 test
launches of the Series D Atlas ICBM, 35 were rated complete
successes, eight were rated partial successes, and six were rated
failures.
1 February 1961
The first attempted launch of a Minuteman ICBM
at Cape Canaveral, Florida, was successful. This launch was conducted
only two and one-half years after the requirement for the Minuteman
ICBM had been established.
1 February 1961
One squadron of the 4135th Strategic Wing
(B-52G), equipped with Quail missiles, was declared operational by
Headquarters SAC. This was the first SAC B-52 unit to achieve this
status.
2 February 1961
Construction began on Minuteman ICBM test
launch facilities at Vandenberg AFB, California.
24 February 1961
The first successful launch of a Series E
Atlas ICBM took place at Cape Canaveral, Florida. The missile,
powered by liquid-fueled MA-3 engines developing 389,000 pounds of
thrust, flew 7,000 miles down the Atlantic Missile Range. The
missile's flight was directed by an all-inertial guidance system that
was impervious to jamming.
28 February 1961
Headquarters SAC declared the 702d Strategic
Missile Wing (ICM-Snark) at Presque Isle AFB, Maine, to be
operational.
16 March 1961
Construction began at Malmstrom AFB, Montana, on
the first model "A" Minuteman I ICBM operational
facilities.
28 March 1961
In his special defense budget message, President
John F. Kennedy deferred further action on the development of the
Mobile Minuteman ICBM force (three squadrons) in favor of additional
(three squadrons) hardened Minuteman ICBM units.
28 March 1961
President Kennedy directed that the Snark missile
be phased out as it was "obsolete and of marginal military
value."
28 March 1961
President Kennedy announced that the planned
Titan ICBM force would be reduced by two squadrons, to six Titan I
and six Titan II squadrons.
29 March 1961
Headquarters USAF issued Specific Operational
Requirement (SOR) 171 for the Minuteman I ICBM. It covered the "A"
and "B" models.
30 March 1961
The deployment of the Series D Atlas ICBM force
was completed when the 549th Strategic Missile Squadron at Offutt
AFB, Nebraska, was declared operational by Headquarters SAC.
1 April 1961
The Air Force Logistics Command (formerly the Air
Materiel Command) assumed maintenance responsibility for all ICBM
reentry vehicles and warheads.
1 April 1961
The first Series F Atlas squadrons, the 550th
Strategic Missile Squadron (1x12) at Schilling AFB, Kansas, and the
551st Strategic Missile Squadron (1x12) at Lincoln AFB, Nebraska,
were activated by Headquarters SAC.
10 April 1961
Headquarters USAF issued Specific Operational
Requirement (SOR) 184 for the Titan II ICBM.
22 April 1961
The first attempted launch of a Jupiter IRBM by
an Italian combat training crew at Cape Canaveral, Florida, was
successful. The missile flew 1,514 nautical miles down the Atlantic
Missile Range and its reentry vehicle impacted in the target area.
April – May 1961
The last Series D Atlas ICBM squadron
went on alert. It was the 566th SMS at Offutt AFB, Nebraska.
19 May 1961
The first Titan 1 ICBM arrived at Lowry AFB,
Colorado.
1 June 1961
Headquarters SAC activated the 569th Strategic
Missile Squadron (ICBM-Titan I) at Mountain Home AFB, Idaho. This was
the last Titan I ICBM squadron to be activated.
19 June 1961
The first Series F Atlas TCBM arrived at
Vandenberg AFB, California.
25 June 1961
The Snark missile and the 702d Strategic Missile
Wing was inactivated at Presque Isle AFB, Maine.
1 July 1961
Headquarters SAC redesignated the following units:
the 706th Strategic Missile Wing and the 549th Strategic. Missile
Squadron, Francis E. Warren AFB, Wyoming (now designated the 389th
Strategic Missile Wing and the 566th Strategic Missile Squadron); the
703d Strategic Missile Wing and the 848th and 849th Strategic Missile
Squadrons, Lowry AFB, Colorado (now designated the 451st Strategic
Missile Wing and the 724th and 725th Strategic Missile Squadrons);
and the 566th Strategic Missile Squadron, Offutt AFB, Nebraska (now
designated the 549th Strategic. Missile Squadron).
1 July 1961
Headquarters SAC activated the 3901st Strategic
Standardization Squadron (Missiles) (later to be designated the
3901st Strategic Missile Evaluation Squadron) at Vandenberg AFB,
California.
15 July 1961
Headquarters SAC activated the 341st Strategic
Missile Wing (ICBM-Minuteman A) at Malmstrom AFB, Montana, making it
SAC's first Minuteman wing. Minuteman was a three-stage, solid fuel
rocket with all inertial guidance designed for mass deployment. Each
squadron had five flights. Each flight controlled ten missiles (thus,
a 10x5 configuration). Minuteman could be launched from inside its
silo instead of being lifted to ground level.
20 July 1961
The first Titan I ICBM equipped with decoys was
successfully launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida. During its flight
down the Atlantic Missile Range, the missile released ten decoys
which tracking installations used to practice distinguishing between
decoys and a real reentry vehicle.
21 July 1961
Headquarters SAC redesignated the 1st Missile
Division at Vandenberg AFB, California, the 1st Strategic Aerospace
Division.
24 July 1961
The first full-range flight test of a Titan I ICBM
equipped with an ,all-inertial guidance system was successful. The
missile, launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, flew 5,000 miles down
the Atlantic Missile Range and its reentry vehicle impacted in the
target area.
29 July 1961
Work was completed on the first Series E Atlas
ICBM complex at the 567th Strategic Missile Squadron, Fairchild AFB,
Washington, and it was turned over to Strategic Air Command.
31 July – 4 August 1961
The SAC Inspector General
conducted the first formal Operational Readiness Inspection (ORI) of
an ICBM wing at the 706th Strategic Missile Wing, F.E. Warren AFB,
Wyoming.
4 August 1961
Work was completed on all three Titan I ICBM
complexes at the 721th Strategic Missile Squadron, Lowry AFB,
Colorado, and they were turned over to the Strategic Air Command by
the Army Corps of Engineers.
8 August 1961
The first successful launch of a Series F Atlas
ICBM took place at Cape Canaveral, Florida. The Series F Atlas,
designed for long-term storage of liquid fuels and a shortened launch
countdown, was the only model of the Atlas ICBM emplaced in hardened
underground silo-lift launchers.
21 August 1961
Construction began at Ellsworth AFB, South
Dakota, on the first model "B" Minuteman I ICBM operational
facilities. The model "B" Minuteman I ICBM was an improved
version of the original model "A" missile and incorporated
substantial performance improvements and a slightly larger second
stage motor chamber made of titanium instead of steel.
25 August 1961
The first Hound Dog missile was delivered to
Beale AFB, California. It was mated to a B-52 on 2 September 1961.
28 August 1961
Operational readiness training (hardware) began
at the 567th Strategic Missile Squadron, Fairchild AFB, Washington.
This was the first time that operational readiness training was
carried out at any place other than Vandenberg AFB, California.
23 September 1961
The first attempted "silo-lift"
launch of a Titan I ICBM at Vandenberg AFB, California, was
successful.
28 September 1961
Headquarters SAC declared the first Series E
Atlas ICBM squadron, the 567th Strategic Missile Squadron at
Fairchild AFB, Washington, to be operational.
29 September 1961
SAC issued an SOR (Specific Operation
Requirement) for a UHF emergency rocket communications system (ERCS).
October 1961
The first Series E Atlas ICBM was placed on alert
at the 567th SMS, Fairchild AFB, Washington.
1 October 1961
The 556th SMS (1x12) was activated at
Plattsburgh AFB, New York. It was the last Series F Atlas squadron
and the last squadron in the Atlas program. The 556th SMS, SAC's
first SMS, had been a Snark unit at Patrick AFB, Florida, from 15
December 1957 to 16 July 1959.
6 October 1961
The first Titan I ICBM was emplaced in a silo at
the 724th Strategic Missile Squadron, Lowry AFB, Colorado.
November 1961
The bulk of the Series E Atlas force was placed
on alert at Fairchild (567th), Forbes (568th), and F. E. Warren
(569th). Some sites were kept off alert for crew training for a few
more months.
7 November 1961
The first Jupiter IRBM launcher of the NATO II
Squadron in Turkey was turned over to the Strategic Air Command and
manned by United States Air Force personnel until Turkish crews
completed training.
13 November 1961
The first "A" Minuteman I ICBM
operational base silo was completed at Malmstrom AFB, Montana, and
turned over to an Air Force Site Activation Task Force (SATAF).
17 November 1961
The first successful underground silo launch
of a Minuteman ICBM took place at Cape Canaveral, Florida. The
missile flew 3,000 miles down the Atlantic Missile Range and its
reentry vehicle impacted in the target area.
1 December 1961
Headquarters SAC activated the first Minuteman
squadron, the 10th Strategic Missile Squadron (ICBM-Minuteman A), and
the 341st Missile Maintenance Squadron (ICBM-Minuteman), at Malmstrom
AFB, Montana.
7 December 1961
Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara
canceled the Mobile Minuteman development program.
15 December 1961
Construction of the first flight of ten model
"A" Minuteman I ICBM operational base silos was completed
with the acceptance of the tenth site at Malmstrom AFB, Montana, by
the SATAF.
18 December 1961
SAC Combat Evaluation Launches (CEL) of the
Quail missile began at Eglin AFB, Florida. Elements of the 4241st
Strategic Wing (B-52G), Seymour-Johnson AFB, North Carolina,
conducted the launches.
31 December 1961
During 1961, SAC test-launched two Series D
Atlas ICBMs from Vandenberg AFB, California.
1 January 1962
For the first time, five SAC aircraft units (the
42d and 97th Bomb Wings and the 4038th, 4039th, and 4137th Strategic
Wings, all B-52G equipped) carried Quail missiles on airborne alert.
1 January 1962
The 390th SMW and 570th SMS at Davis-Monthan
AFB, Arizona, became the first Titan II wing and squadron to be
activated. Titan II wings had two 1 x 9 squadrons. The missile used
storable liquid propellants, all inertial guidance, carried a larger
reentry vehicle than the Titan I, and could be launched from its
silo.
1 January 1962
Headquarters SAC activated the first model "B"
Minuteman I wing, the 44th Strategic Missile Wing, at Ellsworth AFB,
South Dakota.
9 January 1962
The first SAC Combat Evaluation Launch (CEL,
nicknamed Jetblack) of a Hound Dog missile was conducted by a crew
from the 4126th Strategic Wing (B-52G), Beale AFB, California. The
missile flew 607 nautical miles down the Atlantic Missile Range and
impacted in the target area.
17 January 1962
The 4038th Strategic Wing (B-52G) at Dow AFB,
New Hampshire, became the first SAC unit to carry Hound Dog missiles
on airborne alert.
20 January 1962
The first launch of a Titan I TCBM by a SAC
crew at Vandenberg AFB, California, was successful.
27 January 1962
The first Titan I ICBM launch complex (395A) at
Vandenberg AFB, California, was turned over to the Strategic Air
Command.
29 January 1962
The 47th and last Titan I ICBM launch at Cape
Canaveral, Florida, was successful. Of the 47 test launches of the
missile at Cape Canaveral, 34 were rated successes, nine were rated
partial successes, and four were rated failures.
15 February 1962
In fifth consecutive silo launching, a
Minuteman set a new record by flying 3,900 miles farther than
previous silo-launched vehicles of this type.
28 February 1962
The first successful launch of a Series E
Atlas ICBM from a coffin-type launch facility took place at
Vandenberg AFB, California.
16 March 1962
The first attempted launch of a Titan II ICBM at
Cape Canaveral, Florida, was successful. The missile flew 5,000 miles
down the Atlantic Missile Range and its reentry vehicle impacted in
the target area.
18 April 1962
Headquarters SAC declared the first Titan I ICBM
squadron, the 724th Strategic Missile Squadron at Lowry AFB,
Colorado, to be operational.
18 April 1962
The first attempted combat training launch of a
Jupiter IRBM by a Turkish crew at Cape Canaveral, Florida, was
successful.
20 April 1962
The first Titan Is were placed on alert at the
724th SMS, Lowry AFB, Colorado.
1 May 1962
Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara informed
British Minister of Defense Peter Thorneycroft that after 31 October
1964, the United States would no longer provide logistical support
for the Thor IRBM squadrons deployed In the United Kingdom.
1 May 1962
Construction work was completed on the first
squadron of model "A" Minuteman I ICBM operational
facilities at Malmstrom AFB, Montana.
1 May 1962
Headquarters SAC activated the 490th Strategic
Missile Squadron (ICBM-Minuteman A) at Malmstrom AFB, Montana. It was
the third and last model "A" Minuteman I squadron to be
activated by SAC.
24 May 1962
A Titan I was destroyed by an explosion and the
launch complex at Chico, California, was damaged during contractor
checkout of the site, which was assigned to the 4126th Strategic
Wing, Beale AFB, California.
25 May 1962
The Strategic Air Command turned over the one
Jupiter IRBM squadron in Turkey to Turkish Air Force personnel and at
the same time inactivated the 866th Techical Training Squadron. The
squadron's warheads, however, remained in SAC's custody and
possession until such time as they were released for launch by an
American warhead release order.
28 May 1962
The McDonnell Aircraft Corporation delivered the
last Quail missile to the Strategic Air Command.
31 May 1962
First test launch of an ERCS Blue Scout Jr. rocket
from Vandenberg AFB, California, was successful.
May 1962
The 725th SMS, Lowry AFB, Colorado, became the first
Titan I squadron to achieve alert.
June 1962
The first Series F Atlas ICBM operational sites at
the 550th Strategic Missile Squadron, Schilling AFB, Kansas, and the
551st Strategic Missile Squadron, Lincoln AFB, Nebraska, were
accepted by the Strategic Air Command.
18 June 1962
The twelfth and last combat training launch of a
Thor IRBM by a Royal Air Force crew at Vandenberg AFB, California,
was successful.
26 June 1962
A crew from the 389th Strategic Missile Squadron
at Francis R. Warren AFB, Wyoming, successfully launched a Series D
Atlas ICBM from Vandenberg AFB, California, in the first interceptor
test (a failure) of the Army's Nike-Zeus program.
1 July 1962
Headquarters SAC activated the first model "B"
Minuteman I ICBM squadron, the 66th Strategic Missile Squadron at
Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota.
19 July 1962
A crew from the 565th Strategic Missile Squadron
at Francis E. Warren AFB, Wyoming, launched a Series D Atlas ICBM
from Vandenberg AFB, California, in the first successful interceptor
test of the Army's Nike-Zeus program.
23 July 1962
The first model "A" Minuteman I ICBM
arrived at Malmstrom AFB, Montana.
27 July 1962
The first model "A" Minuteman I ICBM was
emplaced in site A-9 at Malmstrom AFB, Montana.
August 1962
The first Series F Atlas ICBM was placed on alert
at the 577th SMS, Altua AFB, Oklahoma, early in the month.
1 August 1962
The first operationally configured Series F Atlas
ICBM was successfully launched from Vandenberg AFB, California.
1 August 1962
British Minister of Defense Peter Thorneycroft
announced in Parliament the planned phaseout of Thor IRBMs in the
United Kingdom, to be completed by 31 December 1963.
9 August 1962
Multiple countdown and launch procedures were
successfully demonstrated for the first time when a crew from the
389th Strategic Missile Wing at Francis E. Warren AFB, Wyoming, fired
two Series D Atlas ICBMs (Operation Peg Board I and II) in quick
succession from Vandenberg AFB, California.
September 1962
The Titan Is of the 851st SMS, Beale AFB,
California, were placed on alert. This was the last Titan I squadron
to achieve alert status.
1 September 1962
Headquarters SAC activated the 374th Strategic
Missile Squadron at Little Rock AFB, Arkansas. This was the last
Titan IT squadron to be activated.
9 September 1962
Headquarters SAC declared the 550th Strategic
Missile Squadron (ICBM-Atlas F) at Schilling AFB, Kansas, to be
operational.
12 September 1962
The first successful launch of a Titan II
ICBM equipped with decoys took place at Cape Canaveral, Florida.
27 September 1962
Construction work was completed on the last
model "A" Minuteman I ICBM operational facilities at
Malmstrom AFB, Montana.
28 September 1962
Headquarters SAC declared the 568th Strategic
Missile Squadron (ICBM-Titan I) at Larson AFB, Washington, to be
operational. This completed the deployment of Titan I ICBMs.
October 1962
As a result of the Cuban missile crisis during the
latter part of the month, the Series F Atlas squadrons at Schilling
(550th), Lincoln (551st), Altus (577th) and Dyess (578th) were for
the first time required to place all 12 missiles on alert. The first
few Series F Atlas ICBMs at the 556th SMS at Plattsburgh AFB, New
York, were also put on alert at this time.
2 October 1962
The first Series D Atlas ICBM combat training
launch (CTL) was conducted at Vandenberg AFB, California. The CTL
program was the predecessor of the current operational test program.
24 October 1962
Headquarters SAC accepted the first flight of
ten model "A" Minuteman I ICBMs at the 10th Strategic
Missile Squadron, 341st Strategic Missile Wing, Malmstrom AFB,
Montana.
27 October 1962
The first model "A" Minuteman I ICBMs
were placed on alert at the 10th Strategic Missile Squadron, 341st
Strategic Missile Wing, Malmstrom AFB, Montana.
6 November 1962
Headquarters SAC instituted a master's degree
education program for its Minuteman ICBM crews at Malmstrom AFB,
Montana.
27 November 1962
The first Titan II ICBM was delivered to
Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona.
29 November 1962
The first Thor IRBM was removed from alert in
the United Kingdom under the Thor phaseout program.
7 December 1962
The first attempted launch of a Minuteman ICBM
equipped with a Mark 11 reentry vehicle was successful. This launch,
conducted by an all-Air Force crew, took place at Cape Canaveral,
Florida.
8 December 1962
The first Titan II ICBM was emplaced in a silo
at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona.
11 December 1962
Headquarters SAC declared the first two
flights of model "A" Minuteman I ICBMs at Malmstrom AFB,
Montana, to be operational. This was the beginning of continuous
alert for Minuteman.
20 December 1962
Headquarters SAC declared the 556th Strategic
Missile Squadron (TCBM-Atlas F) at Plattsburgh AFB, New York, to be
operational. This completed the deployment of the Atlas ICBM force.
20 December 1962
Headquarters SAC published a new Operational
Test and Evaluation Plan (OTEP 26-63) for Atlas, Titan, and Minuteman
ICBMs. This was the original SAC plan for carrying out the
JCS-directed Category III, Type III and Type IV flight tests.
21 December 1962
President Kennedy and British Prime Minister
Harold MacMillan issued a joint statement, following their meeting in
Nassau, Bahamas, canceling the Skybolt missile program.
22 December 1962
The last flight test of a prototype Skybolt
missile, launched from a B-52G over the Atlantic Missile Range, was
successful.
31 December 1962
During 1962, SAC test-launched 15 Series D
Atlas ICBMs from Vandenberg AFB, California.
17 January 1963
The United States announced the planned
phaseout of Jupiter IRBM squadrons in Italy.
22 January 1963
The last of six combat training launches of
Jupiter IRBMs by Italian crews at Cape Canaveral, Florida, was
successful.
23 January 1963
The Turkish government announced plans for the
phaseout of the one Jupiter IRBM squadron deployed in Turkey.
6 February 1963
The first attempted launch of a Titan II ICBM
by an all-Air Force, crew was successful. The missile, launched from
Cape Canaveral, Florida, flew 5,871 miles down the Atlantic Missile
Range and its reentry vehicle impacted in the target area.
18 February 1963
The first attempted dual launch of Hound Dog
missiles, conducted over the Atlantic Missile Range, was successful.
28 February 1963
Headquarters SAC declared its first Minuteman
squadron, the 10th Strategic Missile Squadron (ICBM-Minuteman A) at
Malmstrom AFB, Montana, to be operational.
9 March 1963
The Chico, California, Titan I launch complex
became operational after repairs from the May 1962 explosion were
completed.
9-23 March 1963
Five Series D and F Atlas ICBMs were launched
from Vandenberg AFB, California, in an exercise designated "Tall
Tree." The purpose of this exercise was to demonstrate the
Emergency War Order (EWO) launch capabilities of the Series D and F
Atlas ICBMs by utilizing operational missiles, missile crews, and
maintenance personnel in the actual launch of the missiles at
Vandenberg AFB, California. In general, the "Tall Tree"
exercise did not successfully attain its overall objective due to a
number of factors, the most important of which was the lack of combat
realism at the test launch facilities at Vandenberg AFB, California.
28 March 1963
Production of the Hound Dog missile was completed
by North American Aviation, Inc.
30 March 1963
The first Titan II ICBM operational launch
facility (Site 570-2) at the 570th Strategic Missile Squadron,
Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, was accepted by the Strategic Air
Command.
April 1963
The first Titan II ICBM went on alert at
Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona.
April 1963
The first model "B" Minuteman I ICBM was
emplaced in a silo at Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota.
April 1963
The first model "A" Minuteman I squadron,
the 10th SMS, Malmstrom AFB, Montana, brought the last of its
missiles up to alert.
11 April 1963
The first successful launch of a model "A"
Minuteman I ICBM from Vandenberg AFB, California, was conducted by a
crew from the Air Force Systems Command's 6595th Aerospace Test Wing.
It followed the completion of successful flight test program from
Cape Canaveral, Florida.
15-20 April 1963
The Titan Is of the 850th SMS of the 44th SMW,
Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota, were the first ICBMs (and the first
Titan Is) tested by the SAC Inspector General in a formal operational
readiness inspection (ORI).
21-26 April 1963
The SAC Inspector General conducted the first
formal ORI of a Series D Atlas ICBM squadron at the 549th Strategic
Missile Squadron, Offutt AFB, Nebraska.
21-26 April 1963
The SAC Inspector Ceneral conducted the first
formal ORI of a Series E Atlas ICBM squadron at the 567th Strategic
Missile Squadron, Fairchild AFB, Washington. The 567th SMS was the
first Atlas (and first missile) squadron to pass an ORI.
28 April 1963
The first successful underground silo launch of a
Titan II ICBM took place at Vandenberg AFB, California.
19-24 May 1963
The 851st Strategic Missile Squadron (ICBM-Titan
I) at Beale AFB, California, became the first Titan I ICBM squadron
to pass an ORI.
24 May 1963
Headquarters USAF approved the recommendation of an
Air Force Ad Hoc Group that the Series D and E Atlas and Titan I
ICBMs be phased out of the Air Force weapons system inventory between
1965 and 1968.
24 May 1963
The first successful launch of a model "B"
Minuteman I ICBM took place at Vandenberg AFB, California.
27 May – 2 June 1963
The SAC Inspector General conducted
the first formal ORI of a Series F Atlas ICBM squadron at the 578th
Strategic Missile Squadron, Dyess AFB, Texas.
28 May 1963
The first Minuteman ICBM equipped with
retro-rockets to increase the distance between its third stage and
reentry vehicle in flight was successfully launched from Cape
Canaveral, Florida.
June 1963
The 570th SMS at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, became
the first Titan II squadron to go on alert.
1 June 1963
Atlas F launch complex 579-1 of the 6th Strategic
Aerospace Wing at Walker AFB, New Mexico, was destroyed by an
explosion during a propellant loading exercise.
7 June 1963
A revised SAC Specific Operation Requirement (SOR)
for ERCS called for a follow-on system using Minuteman missiles.
8 June 1963
Headquarters SAC declared the 570th Strategic
Missile Squadron (ICBM-Titan II) at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, to be
operational. This was the first Titan II ICBM squadron to achieve
this status.
24 June 1963
Headquarters SAC accepted the first flight of ten
model "B" Minuteman 1 ICBMs at the 66th Strategic Missile
Squadron, Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota.
July 1963
The first model "B" Minuteman Is were
placed on alert at the 66th SMS, Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota.
1 July 1963
Headquarters SAC announced the establishment of a
new terminology for ICBM testing and evaluation. Research and
Development (R&D) tests replaced the terms Category I and II
tests, Demonstration and Shakedown Operations (DASO) replaced the
term Category III tests, Operational Tests (OT) replaced the term
Type III tests, and Follow-on Operational Tests (FOT) replaced the
term Type IV tests. These were changes in terminology only and the
primary objectives of the various tests remained the same.
3 July 1963
The third and last Minuteman I squadron at
Malmstrom AFB, Montana, the 490th, became operational.
11 July 1963
Three Blue Scout Jr. ERCS surface launch sites at
Wisner, West Point, and Tekamah, Nebraska, were accepted by SAC and
declared operational.
15 August 1963
The last 15 Thor IRBMs were removed from alert
in the United Kingdom. This completed the operational phase-out of
the Thor IRBM program.
27 September 1963
The last Thor IRBM was airlifted from the
United Kingdom to the United States.
30 September 1963
Headquarters SAC declared the 66th Strategic
Missile Squadron (ICBM-Minuteman B) at Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota,
to be operational. This was the first model "B" Minuteman I
ICBM squadron to achieve this status.
2 October 1963
Headquarters USAF issued Annex A to SOR 171.
This annex established the requirement for the Minuteman II ICBM. The
Minuteman II was a more advanced missile than either model of the
Minuteman I and incorporated a new, larger second-stage engine,
improved guidance, greater range and payload capability, and an
increased capability of surviving nuclear attack.
17 October 1963
The first model "A" Minuteman I ICBM
Operational Test (OT) launch at Vandenberg AFB, California, was a
partial success. The missile, launched by a crew from the 341st
Strategic Missile Wing, Malmstrom AFB, Montana, successfully flew
down the Pacific Missile Range, but late third-stage thrust
termination caused its reentry vehicle to impact 781 nautical miles
beyond its target area.
23 October 1963
Headquarters SAC issued a QOR (Qualitative
Operational Requirement) for a large payload missile as a follow on
to Minuteman.
November 1963
The 390th SMW at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, was
the first Titan II wing to go on alert.
8 November 1963
Secretary of Defense McNamara approved the
Minuteman Force Modernization Program. This program entailed the
replacement of the entire force of Minuteman I ICBMs, both "A"
and "B" models, with Minuteman II ICBMs. In the Force
Modernization Program, in order to prepare for the emplacement of
Minuteman IT ICBMs, it was necessary to completely retrofit the
original Minuteman I launch facilities, launch control facilities,
and associated ground equipment.
16 November 1963
Director Defense Research and Engineering
(DDR&E) approved ERCS on Minuteman.
23 November 1963
Headquarters SAC submitted to Headquarters
USAF QOR 95 for a short-range air-to-surface attack missile (SRAM).
9-13 December 1963
The SAC Inspector General conducted the
first ORI of a Minuteman ICBM wing at the 341st Strategic Missile
Wing (ICBM-Minuteman A), Malmstrom AFB, Montana. The 490th Strategic
Missile Squadron of the 341st SMW was the first ICBM squadron to
successfully exercise all missiles on alert during an ORI.
17 December 1963
Only SAC launch of an ERCS Blue Scout Jr. by
the 4300th Support Squadron at Vandenberg AFB, California.
20 December 1963
The Strategic Air Command's responsibility for
the Thor IRBM program in the United Kingdom came to an end with the
complete phaseout of this weapon system by the Royal Air Force.
31 December 1963
Headquarters SAC declared the 374th Strategic
Missile Squadron (ICBM-Titan II) at Little Rock AFB, Arkansas, to be
operational. This completed the deployment of the Titan II ICBM
force.
31 December 1963
During 1963 SAC launched the following
missiles from Vandenberg AFB, California: 17 Series D Atlas; 5 Series
E Atlas; 2 Series F Atlas; 7 Titan I; 11 model "A"
Minuteman I; and two model "B" Minuteman I.
13 February 1964
Atlas F launch complex 579-5 of the 6th
Strategic Aerospace Wing at Walker AFB, New Mexico, was destroyed by
an explosion during a propellant loading exercise.
25 February 1964
The first two model "B" Minuteman I
ICBM Operational Tests (OT) launches at Vandenberg AFB, California,
were successful. Both launches took place on the same day.
28 February 1964
Headquarters USAF issued a contract for the
construction of facilities at the first Minuteman II ICBM wing, the
321st Strategic Missile Wing, Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota.
29 February 1964
Two model "A" Minuteman I ICBMs were
launched from Vandenberg AFB, California, in the first successful
"ripple mode" launch of this weapon system. In this dual
launch, primary crews from the 10th Strategic Missile Squadron at
Malmstrom AFB, Montana, issued launch command to both missiles.
5 March 1964
Construction began on Minuteman II ICBM
operational facilities at Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota.
9 March 1964
Atlas F launch complex 579-2 of the 6th Strategic
Aerospace Wing at Walker AFB, New Mexico, was destroyed by an
explosion during a propellant loading exercise.
18 March 1964
Headquarters USAF issued Specific Operational
Requirement (SOR) 212 for a short-range air-to-surface attack missile
(SRAM).
23 March 1964
The first Operational Test (OT, nicknamed
Shotgun) of a Quail missile, conducted over the Eglin Gulf Test
Range, was successful.
9 April 1964
The last Titan II ICBM Research and Development
(R&D) test launch at Cape Kennedy, Florida, formerly Cape
Canaveral, was successful.
21 April 1964
The number of ICBMs on alert equaled the number
of bombers on ground alert.
27 April – 2 May 1964
The SAC Inspector General conducted
the last ORI of a Series D Atlas ICBM wing at the 706th Strategic
Missile Wing, Francis E. Warren AFB, Wyoming.
1 May 1964
The first Series D Atlas ICBMs were taken off alert
at the 576th Strategic Missile Squadron (Complex 576B), Vandenberg
AFB, California.
10-15 May 1964
The SAC Inspector General conducted the first
ORI of a model "B" Minuteman ICBM wing at the 44th
Strategic Missile Wing, Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota.
14 May 1964
Atlas F launch complex 577-6 of the 11th Strategic
Aerospace Wing at Altus AFB, Oklahoma, was destroyed by an explosion
during a propellant loading exercise.
16 May 1964
Secretary of Defense McNamara directed that the
phaseout program for the Series E Atlas and Titan I ICBMs be
accelerated. Originally, the phaseout of these two weapons systems
was scheduled to be completed by the end of FY 1968. Under the new
directive, it was to be completed no later than the end of FY 1965.
26 May 1964
The first Series D Atlas ICBM was shipped from
Francis E. Warren AFB, Wyoming, in the phaseout of this weapon
system.
1 July 1964
Headquarters SAC activated the thirteenth and last
model "B" Minuteman I squadron, the 400th Strategic Missile
Squadron, at Francis E. Warren AFB, Wyoming.
7 July 1964
A model "B" Minuteman I operational test
on this date was the 100th SAC missile launched from Vandenberg AFB,
California.
August 1964
The gradual replacement of model "A"
Minuteman ICBMs with model "B" Minuteman was begun at the
341st Strategic Missile Wing, Malmstrom AFB, Montana.
27 August 1964
The last test launch of a Series E Atlas
conducted by the Strategic Air Command was successful. This launch,
which took place at Vandenberg AFB, California, was undertaken in
conjunction with the Army's Nike-Zeus program.
1 September 1964
Headquarters SAC inactivated the first Series
D Atlas ICBM squadron, the 564th Strategic Missile Squadron at
Francis E. Warren AFB, Wyoming.
2-5 September 1964
The SAC Inspector General conducted the last
ORI of a Series E Atlas ICBM squadron at the 567th Strategic Missile
Squadron, Fairchild AFB, Washington.
24 September 1964
The first attempted launch of a Minuteman II
ICBM, conducted at Cape Kennedy, Florida, was successful.
1 October 1964
The last Series D Atlas ICBMs were removed from
alert at the 549th Strategic Missile Squadron, Offutt AFB, Nebraska.
This completed the operational phaseout of this model of the Atlas
iCBM.
22 October 1964
The last Series D Atlas ICBM to leave a SAC
operational base was shipped from the 549th Strategic Missile
Squadron, Offutt AFB, Nebraska, to storage facilities for future use
as launch vehicles in various research and development programs.
26-30 October 1964
The 551st SMS at Lincoln AFB, Nebraska, was
the last Series F Atlas unit to undergo an operational readiness
inspection (ORI).
1 November 1964
Headquarters SAC activated the first Minuteman
II (and the sixth Minuteman) ICBM wing, the 321st Strategic Missile
Wing, at Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota.
9 November 1964
The last model "A" Minuteman I ICBM
Operational Test (OT) launch at Vandenberg AFB, California, was
successful.
16-20 November 1964
The SAC Inspector General conducted the
first formal ORI of a Titan II ICBM wing at the 390th Strategic
Missile Wing, Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona.
19 November 1964
Secretary of Defense McNamara announced that
all remaining first-generation ICBMs (Series E and F Atlas and Titan
I) would be phased out (Project Added Effort) by the end of June
1965.
20 November 1964
Secretary of Defense McNamara set the final
Minuteman ICBM force level at 1,000 missiles.
27 November 1964
Secretary of Defense McNamara approved Project
Long Life. This program called for the short-range operational base
launch of three modified model "B" Minuteman I ICBMs at
Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota. Each missile would contain enough
propellant in its first stage to allow for a seven second flight. The
rest of the missile, its upper stages and reentry vehicle, would be
inert. The primary objective of Project Long Life was to launch an
ICBM from as realistic an operational environment as possible.
1 December 1964
The first Series F Atlas was removed from alert
at the 578th Strategic Missile Squadron, Dyess AFB, Texas. This
missile and another at Altus AFB were removed prior to the 5 January
1965 programmed date to preclude costly maintenance expenditures.
15 December 1964
Headquarters SAC inactivated the last Series D
Atlas ICBM squadron, the 549th Strategic Missile Squadron, at Offutt
AFB, Nebraska.
31 December 1964
During 1964 SAC launched the following
missiles from Vandenberg AFB, California: 6 Series D Atlas, 2 Series
E Atlas, 4 Series F Atlas, 1 Titan I, 5 Titan IT, 18 model "A"
Minuteman Is and 33 model "B" Minuteman Is.
4 January 1965
The first Series E Atlas ICBMs were taken off
alert at the 548th Strategic Missile Squadron, Forbes AFB, Kansas,
and the 566th Strategic Missile Squadron, Francis E. Warren AFB,
Wyoming.
4 January 1965
The first Titan I ICBMs were taken off alert at
the 568th Strategic Missile Squadron, Larson AFB, Washington, the
850th Strategic Missile Squadron, Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota, and
the 851st Strategic Missile Squadron, Beale AFB, California.
8 January 1965
The last test launch of a Series F Atlas ICBM
conducted by the Strategic Air Command was successful. This launch
took place at Vandenberg AFB, California.
18 January 1965
The first SAC launch of a Thor IRBM was made by
the 4300th Support Squadron at Vandenberg AFB, California.
1 February 1965
Headquarters SAC activated the first Minuteman
II ICBM squadron, the 447th Strategic Missile Squadron, at Grand
Forks AFB, North Dakota.
8-12 February 1965
The SAC Inspector General conducted the last
operational readiness inspection (ORI) of a Titan I unit at the 451st
SMW, Lowry AFB, Colorado.
1 March 1965
A missile combat crew of the 44th Strategic
Missile Wing, Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota, successfully launched the
first modified model "B" Minuteman I ICBM under the Project
Long Life program. This successful test from Ellsworth AFB
demonstrated the ability of a SAC missile combat crew to launch a
Minuteman ICBM from an operational facility. This missile only
carried enough fuel in its first stage for a seven second flight.
5 March 1965
The last test launch of a Titan I ICBM conducted
by the Strategic Air Command was successful. This launch took place
at Vandenberg AFB, California.
12 March 1965
The last test launch of a Series D Atlas ICBM
conducted by the Strategic Air Command was successful. This launch
took place at Vandenberg AFB, California.
23 March 1965
Secretary of Defense McNamara approved the
initial development of the Short Range Attack Missile (SRAM).
24 March 1965
The first Titan II ICBM operational test launch
at Vandenberg AFB, California, was successful.
25 March 1965
Headquarters SAC inactivated the 577th Strategic
Missile Squadron (ICBM-Atlas F) at Altus AFB, Oklahoma, the 578th
Strategic Missile Squadron (ICBM-Atlas F) at Dyess AFB, Texas, the
579th Strategic Missile Squadron (ICBM-Atlas F) at Walker AFB, New
Mexico, the 568th Strategic Missile Squadron (ICBM-Titan I) at Larson
AFB, Washington, the 850th Strategic Missile Squadron (ICBM-Titan I)
at Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota, the 851st Strategic Missile Squadron
(ICBM-Titan I) at Beale AFB, California, the 566th Strategic Missile
Squadron (ICBM-Atlas E), and the 389th Strategic Missile Wing
(ICBM-Atlas E) at Francis E. Warren AFB, Wyoming.
31 March 1965
The last Series E Atlas ICBMs were removed from
alert at the 567th Strategic Missile Squadron, Fairchild AFB,
Washington. Ibis completed the operational phaseout of this model of
the Atlas ICBM weapon system.
1 April 1965
The last Titan I ICBMs were removed from alert at
the 569th Strategic Missile Squadron, Mountain Home AFB, Idaho. This
completed the operational phaseout of the Titan I ICBM weapon system.
5 April 1965
The last Series E Atlas ICBM to leave a SAC
operational base was shipped from the 567th Strategic Missile
Squadron, Fairchild AFB, Washington, to storage for future use as
launch vehicles in various research and development programs.
12 April 1965
The last Series F Atlas ICBMs were removed from
alert at the 551st Strategic Missile Squadron, Lincoln AFB, Nebraska.
This completed the operational phaseout of this model of the Atlas
ICBM weapon system.
15 April 1965
The last Titan 1 was shipped from the 725th
Strategic Missile Squadron, Lowry AFB, Colorado, to storage
facilities.
20 April 1965
The last Series F Atlas ICBM (and the last Atlas
and the last first-generation liquid-fuel ICBM) to leave a SAC
operational base was shipped from the 551st Strategic Missile
Squadron, Lincoln AFB, Nebraska, to storage facilities for future use
as launch vehicles in various research and development programs. This
completed the phaseout of SAC's first generation of ICBMs.
15 June 1965
Headquarters SAC declared the 400th Strategic
Missile Squadron (ICBM-Minuteman B) at Francis E. Warren AFB,
Wyoming, to be operational. This completed the deployment of the
Minuteman I ICBM force.
25 June 1965
Headquarters SAC inactivated the last remaining
Atlas ICBM squadrons, the 567th Strategic Missile Squadron
(ICBM-Atlas E) at Fairchild AFB, Washington, the 550th Strategic
Missile Squadron (ICBM-Atlas F) at Schilling AFB, Kansas, the 551st
Strategic Missile Squadron (ICBM-Atlas F) at Lincoln AFB, Nebraska,
and the 556th Strategic Missile Squadron (ICBM-Atlas F) at
Plattsburgh AFB, New York.
25 June 1965
Headquarters SAC inactivated the last Titan I ICBM
squadrons, the 569th Strategic Missile Squadron (ICBM-Titan I) at
Mountain Home AFB, Idaho, the 724th and 725th Strategic Missile
Squadrons (ICBM-Titan I) and the 451st Strategic Missile Wing
(ICBM-Titan I) at Lowry AFB, Colorado.
1 July 1965
Headquarters SAC inaugurated an undergraduate
college education program for Minuteman ICBM crews at the 90th
Strategic Missile Wing, Francis E. Warren AFB, Wyoming.
6 July 1965
The last model "B" Minuteman I ICBM
Operational Test (OT) launch at Vandenberg AFB, California, was
successful.
13 July 1965
Headquarters SAC issued a QOR for a mobile ICBM.
15 July 1965
Headquarters USAF issued the first Minuteman III
research and development contract to the Boeing Company. The
Minuteman III was the newest, most advanced version of the Minuteman
weapon system. It employed an improved third stage booster, carried
more penetration aids to counter anti-ballistic missile defense
systems, and was equipped to carry the Mark 12 Multiple Independently
Targetable Reentry Vehicle (MIRV) with three warheads.
5 August 1965
The first Minuteman II ICBM to arrive in the
field was accepted by the 321st SMW, Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota.
7 August 1965
The first Minuteman II ICBM was emplaced in a
silo at the 447th Strategic Missile Squadron, Grand Forks AFB, North
Dakota.
9 August 1965
Titan II Launch Complex 373-4 of the 308th
Strategic Missile Wing, near Searcy, Arkansas, was severely damaged
in a flash fire. Fifty-three contractor personnel, doing
modifications to the silo, were killed.
18 August 1965
The first attempted launch of a Minuteman II
ICBM from an operationally configured underground silo at Vandenberg
AFB, California, conducted by Air Force Systems Command, was
successful. The missile flew 5,000 miles down the Pacific Missile
Range and its reentry vehicle impacted in the target area.
15 October 1965
The first class to receive Master of Science
degrees in aerospace engineering under the Minuteman Education
Program was graduated at the 341st Strategic Missile Wing, Malmstrom
AFB, Montana.
31 October 1965
The first flight of ten Minuteman II ICBMs at
the 447th Strategic Missile Squadron, Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota,
was accepted by the Strategic Air Command.
1 December 1965
The first of a series of High Explosive
Simulation Technique (HEST) tests, designed to determine the hardness
of Minuteman ICBM launch facilities, took place at the 90th Strategic
Missile Wing, Francis E. Warren AFB, Wyoming.
31 December 1965
During 1965 SAC launched the following
missiles from Vandenberg AFB, California: 5 Series D Atlas, 1 Series
F Atlas, 2 Titan I, 14 Titan II, 3 model "A" Minuteman I,
21 model "B" Minuteman I and 4 Thor/Altair.
January 1966
The first Minuteman II ICBMs went on alert at
Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota.
24 February 1966
The first attempted salvo (simultaneous)
launch of two model "A" Minuteman I ICBMs at Vandenberg
AFB, California, was successful. This launch demonstrated the
multiple countdown and launch techniques that would be used at
operational bases under actual combat conditions.
25 March 1966
The 200th SAC missile launched from Vandenberg
AFB, California was a Titan II operational test.
1 April 1966
Headquarters SAC activated the 20th and last
Minuteman ICBM squadron, the 564th Strategic Missile Squadron
(ICBM-Minuteman II), at Malmstrom AFB, Montana.
2 April 1966
Last Atlas missile squadron, the 576th Strategic
Missile Squadron at Vandenberg AFB, California, was inactivated.
11 April 1966
Headquarters USAF issued System Management
Directive (SMD) 6-61-133B(10) defining the Minuteman III weapon
system.
20 April 1966
The last Titan 11 operational test (OT) was
launched from Vandenberg AFB, California.
25 April 1966
Headquarters SAC declared the first Minuteman II
ICBM squadron, the 447th Strategic Missile Squadron at Grand Forks
AFB, North Dakota, to be operational.
April-October 1966
Development of an advanced ICBM (weapons
system 120A) took shape in several options for hardened silo or
mobile basing.
May 1966
The 447th SMS, Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota, became
the first Minuteman II squadron to attain full alert status.
7 May 1966
The Minuteman Force Modernization program began at
Whiteman AFB, Missouri, when the first flight of ten model "B"
Minuteman I TCBMs were removed from their silos.
25 May 1966
The first. Titan II follow-on operational test
(FOT) flew from Vandenberg AFB, California.
1 July 1966
Headquarters SAC organized a special agency,
Ballistic Missile Evaluation (BME), to evaluate and make formal
reports to the Joint Chiefs of Staff on the reliability and
capability of the various SAC ICBM weapon systems. This function had
been delegated to SAC by the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
8 July 1966
The first flight test of the Minuteman III Mark 12
MIRV was successful. The Mark 12 MIRV was carried on a Minuteman II
ICBM launched from Cape Kennedy, Florida.
3 October 1966
The last model "A" Minuteman I ICBM
Follow-on Operational Test (FOT) launch at Vandenberg AFB,
California, was successful.
19 October 1966
The first attempted short-range operational
base launch of a modified Minuteman II (Project Long Life II) at
Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota, was unsuccessful.
26 October 1966
Construction was completed on Minuteman II ICBM
operational launch facilities at the 564th Strategic Missile
Squadron, Malmstrom AFB, Montana.
28 October 1966
The second attempted short-range operational
base launch of a modified Minuteman II ICBM (Project Long Life II) at
Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota, was unsuccessful.
31 October 1966
Headquarters USAF awarded the Boeing Aircraft
Company engineering development contract for the Short Range Attack
Missile (SRAM).
22 November 1966
Last flight of Minuteman II ICBMs in the 321st
Strategic Missile Wing turned over to SAC at Grand Forks AFB, North
Dakota. This completed the first wing of Minuteman IIs.
5-10 December 1966
The SAC Inspector General conducted the
first formal operational readiness inspection (ORI) of a Minuteman II
unit, the 321st SMW, Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota.
13 December 1966
The first test and evaluation launch of the
Minuteman Emergency Rocket Communications System (ERCS) was
successful. A communications package was successfully launched into
space aboard a Minuteman II ICBM fired from Vandenberg AFB,
California, and transmitted its message successfully before reentry
into the earth's atmosphere.
13 December 1966
First Minuteman F ERCS R&D flight test
from Vandenberg AFB, California.
22 December 1966
The first attempted salvo (simultaneous)
launch of two model "B" Minuteman I ICBMs at Vandenberg
AFB, California, was successful.
31 December 1966
During 1966 SAC launched the following
missiles from Vandenberg AFB, California: 9 Titan II, 10 model "A"
Minuteman I, 30 model "B" Minuteman 1, 3 Minuteman II, 2
Thor/Altair and 1 Thor/Burner II.
January 1967
The 321st SMW Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota,
became the first Minuteman II wing to attain full alert status.
8 February 1967
The last SAC launch of a Thor IRBM (until 1980)
conducted by the 4300th Support Squadron at Vandenberg AFB,
California, was successful.
31 March 1967
Remaining SAC Thor boosters transferred to Air
Defense Command.
31 March 1967
The responsibility of the Strategic Air Command
in the phase- out of the Atlas and Titan I ICBMs (Project Added
Effort) ended with the successful completion of the service and
salvage program for these weapon systems.
3-7 April 1967
The Strategic Air Command conducted its first
missile combat competition at Vandenberg AFB, California.
Participants Included two combat crews and one target alignment team
from each of the six Minuteman and three Titan II wings. The 351st
Strategic Missile Wing, Whiteman AFB, Missouri, won the prestigious
Blanchard Perpetual Trophy, as the best missile wing in SAC. The
titan wing award went to the 381st Strategic Missile Wing, McConnell
AFB, Kansas.
17 April 1967
Last Minuteman F ERCS R&D flight test from
Vandenberg AFB, California.
17 April 1967
The first attempted launch of a Minuteman II ICBM
by means of the Airborne Launch Control System (ALCS), conducted at
Vandenberg AFB, California, was successful. The ALCS attained Initial
Operational Capability (IOC) on 31 May 1967. This system provided
Headquarters SAC with the capability of launching Minuteman ICBMs
from airborne command post aircraft.
21 April 1967
Headquarters SAC declared the 564th Strategic
Missile Squadron (ICBM-Minuteman II) at Malmstrom AFB, Montana, to be
operational. The last missiles in the squadron were put on alert in
May. This completed the deployment of the 1,000 Minuteman force.
2 June 1967
The "Cold/Heat Soak" special test launch
of a model "B" Minuteman I ICBM at Vandenberg AFB,
California, was successful. The primary objective of the "Cold/Heat
Soak" launches was to investigate the effects of prolonged
exposure to extreme atmospheric conditions on the operational
capability of ICBMs.
21 September 1967
The first on-base maintenance trainer (a
training launch facility) was accepted from the contractor at the
351st Strategic Missile Wing, Whiteman AFB, Missouri.
3 October 1967
The 351st Strategic Missile Wing at Whiteman
AFB, Missouri, became the first entire Minuteman I ICBM wing to
complete transition to the Minuteman II missile under the Force
Modernization Program.
4 October 1967
Secretary of Defense McNamara refused to start
the development of the WS-120A missile but directed USAF to look at
the development of a hard rock silo for Minuteman III.
10 October 1967
First Minuteman F mounted ERCS operational in
the 351st Strategic Missile Wing, Whiteman AFB, Missouri.
7 November 1967
Last Series D Atlas ICBM in the Air Force
inventory was launched by AFSC from Vandenberg AFB, California.
1 December 1967
Blue Scout Jr. ERCS sites in Nebraska
inactivated.
31 December 1967
During 1967 SAC launched the following
missiles from Vandenberg AFB, California: 4 Titan II, 29 model "B"
Minuteman 1, 5 Minuteman II and 1 Thor/Burner II.
19 January 1968
Headquarters SAC submitted to Headquarters USAF
a Required Operational Capability (ROC) for an improved decoy for a
manned bomber, designated the Subsonic Cruise Aircraft Decoy (SCAD).
1 March 1968
The first Minuteman Mark I penetration aid was
deployed on a Minuteman II ICBM at the 341st Strategic Missile Wing,
Malmstrom AFB, Montana.
June 1968
SAC representatives on the initial hard rock silo
siting survey identified F. E. Warren AFB, Wyoming, as the best
choice for development.
14 August 1968
The third attempted short-range operational base
launch of a modified Minuteman II ICBM (Project Giant Boost) at Grand
Forks AFB, North Dakota, was unsuccessful.
16 August 1968
The first attempted launch of a Minuteman III
ICBM at Cape Kennedy, Florida, was successful.
16 September 1968
The last on-base maintenance trainer (a
training launch facility) was accepted from the contractor at the
455th Strategic Missile Wing, Minot AFB, North Dakota.
24 October 1968
A Minuteman II launched from Vandenberg AFB,
California, was SAC's 300th missile launch.
10 December 1968
The last "Cold/Heat Soak" test
launch of a model "B" Minuteman I ICBM at Vandenberg AFB,
California, was successful.
31 December 1968
During 1968 SAC launched 10 model "B"
Minuteman Is, 9 Minuteman IIs and 5 Titan IIs from Vandenberg AFB,
California.
15 January 1969
The last model "A" Minuteman I ICBMs
were removed from alert at Malmstrom AFB, Montana.
12 February 1969
The last model "A" Minuteman I ICBMs
were removed from their silos at Malmstrom AFB, Montana. Immediately
thereafter, contractors began Force Modernization work on these
launch facilities in order to prepare them for the emplacement of
Minuteman II ICBMs.
16 April 1969
The first Minuteman II Operational Test (OT)
launch, conducted at Vandenberg AFB, California, was unsuccessful.
17-24 May 1969
SAC's second missile competition was held at
Vandenberg AFB, California. Competitors included two combat crews and
one maintenance team from each of the six Minuteman and three Titan
II wings. The 321st Strategic Missile Wing, Grand Forks AFB, North
Dakota, was awarded the Blanchard Perpetual Trophy and the 390th
Strategic Missile Wing, Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, secured the best
Titan wing award.
21 May 1969
The last Titan II ICBM Follow-on Operational Test
(FOT) launch at Vandenberg AFB, California, was successful.
27 May 1969
The Force Modernization program was completed at
Malmstrom AFB, Montana. With the completion of this program at
Malmstrom, the SAC Minuteman ICBM force was composed of three wings
or ten squadrons of model "B" Minuteman I ICBMs, and three
wings or ten squadrons of Minuteman II ICBMs. Of the ten Minuteman II
squadrons, six (three at Malmstrom and three at Whiteman) were of the
Force Modernization variety.
29 July 1969
The first flight-test of the SRAM was successful.
The missile, launched from a B-52H, flew down the White Sands Missile
Range and impacted in the target area.
4 September 1969
The 90th Missile Maintenance Squadron
(ICBM-Minuteman B) at Francis E. Warren AFB, Wyoming, received the
USAF Maintenance Award for FY 1969 for being the best maintenance
squadron in the Air Force. This was the first time that a missile
maintenance squadron had received this award.
20 October 1969
Secretary of Defense Melvin R. Laird approved
the use of Titan IIs as test targets for Safeguard Development. These
launches would be conducted by SAC according to follow-on operational
test procedures to the extent that it did not interfere with the
primary purpose.
31 December 1969
During 1969 SAC launched 18 model "B"
Minuteman I, 15 Minuteman II, and 1 Titan II from Vandenberg AFB,
California.
31 March 1970
Under a major numbered air force (NAF)
reorganization plan, approved by Headquarters USAF on 15 October 1969
and implemented by Headquarters SAC on 31 March 1970, all SAC ICBM
wings were assigned to Headquarters Fifteenth Air Force.
31 March 1970
Headquarters SAC published a new Operational Test
and Evaluation Plan (OTEP) designed to give overall direction to the
ICBM test program. Under the new plan, the terms Operational Test and
Follow-on Operational Test were changed to Operational Test, Phase I,
and Operational Test Phase II.
14 April 1970
The first Minuteman III to arrive in the field
was accepted by the 91st SMW, Minot AFB, North Dakota.
17 April 1970
The first Minuteman III ICBM was emplaced in a
silo (LF H2) at Minot AFB, North Dakota.
28 April – 5 May 1970
The Strategic Air Command's third
missile combat competition took place at Vandenberg AFB, California.
The Blanchard Perpetual Trophy as the best missile wing in SAC was
won by the 44th Strategic Missile Wing, Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota.
For the second year in a row, the 390th Strategic Missile Wing,
Davis-Monthan AEB, Arizona, received the award for the best Titan II
wing.
20 May 1970
The first successful launch of a SRAM from an
FB-111 took place over the White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico.
21 May 1970
A Minuteman II TCBM was successfully launched from
Vandenberg AFB, California, to the Oeno Island target area in the
Southeast Pacific. This was the first time that the Oeno Island
target area was utilized for a Minuteman ICBM test launch.
June 1970
Dr. John S. Foster, Jr., Director, Defense Research
and Engineering, terminated the hard rock silo program in favor of
the Minuteman silo upgrade program.
19 June 1970
The first flight of ten Minuteman III ICBMs at the
741st Strategic Missile Squadron, Minot AFB, North Dakota, was
accepted by the Strategic Air Command.
20 June 1970
The first Titan II Safeguard Target launch was
done by SAC from Vandenberg AFB, California.
15 July 1970
Deputy Secretary of Defense David Packard approved
full-scale development of Subsonic Cruise Aircraft Decoy (SCAD)
missile.
4 August 1970
First Minuteman F ERCS operational test launched
from Vandenberg AFB, California.
17 August 1970
The first Modified Operational Missiles (MOMs)
test, designated "Giant Profit," took place at the 321st
Strategic Missile Wing, Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota. A MOMS test
was designed to exercise all the procedures involved in the launch of
a Minuteman ICBM except for actual engine ignition. The data obtained
from a MOMs was used to ascertain the launch reliability of the
Minuteman ICBM weapon system.
19 August 1970
The first Minuteman III ICBMs went on alert at
the 741st Strategic Missile Squadron, Minot AFB, North
Dakota.
29 August 1970
The first full-scale test of all major elements
of the Army's Safeguard ABM system was successful. The reentry
vehicle of a surplus model "B" Minuteman I ICBM, launched
from Vandenberg AFB, California, was successfully intercepted from a
Spartan area-defense interceptor missile-launched from Kwajalein
Atoll.
22 October 1970
The first attempted salvo (simultaneous) launch
of two Minuteman II ICBMs at Vandenberg AFB, California, was
successful.
12-14 December 1970
Congress refused to fund Subsonic Cruise
Aircraft Decoy (SCAD) development in FY 71.
14 December 1970
The last test launch of a Minuteman III ICBM
at Cape Kennedy, Florida, was successful. This was also the last ICBM
launch to take place at Cape Kennedy, Florida.
23 December 1970
The reentry vehicle of a surplus model "B"
Minuteman I ICBM launched from Vandenberg AFB, California, was
successfully intercepted by a Sprint terminal-defense interceptor
missile launched from Kwajalein Atoll.
29 December 1970
Headquarters SAC declared the 741st Strategic
Missile Squadron (ICBM-Minuteman III) at Minot AFB, North Dakota, to
be operational. This was the first Minuteman III ICBM squadron to
achieve this status.
31 December 1970
During 1970 SAC launched 15 model "B"
Minuteman I, 26 Minuteman II and three Minuteman III from Vandenberg
AFB, California.
January 1971
The 741st SMS, Minot AFB, North Dakota, became the
first Minuteman III squadron to attain full alert status.
12 January 1971
Headquarters USAF awarded a contract to the
Boeing Company for the production of the Short Range Attack Missile
(SRAM).
3 February 1971
The first Minuteman II phase II operational
test was launched from Vandenberg AFB, California.
23-29 March 1971
The SAC Inspector General conducted the first
formal operational readiness inspection (ORI) of a Minuteman III
unit, the 91st SMW, Minot AFB, North Dakota.
24 March 1971
The first Minuteman III, phase II operational
test launch at Vandenberg AFB, California, was successful.
20-28 April 1971
Following the completion of SAC's fourth
missile combat competition at Vandenberg AFB, California, the 351st
Strategic Missile Wing, Whiteman AFB, Missouri, was awarded the
Blanchard Trophy as the best missile wing in SAC. The accolade of
best Titan II wing was bestowed upon the 308th Strategic Missile
Wing, Little Rock AFB, Arkansas.
24 May 1971
SAC launched its 400th Missile from Vandenberg AFB,
California, a Minuteman II.
19 November 1971
Headquarters SAC issued a ROC for an advanced
ICBM.
31 December 1971
During 1971 SAC launched the following
missiles from Vandenberg AFB, California: two Titan II, 11 model "B"
Minuteman 1, 17 Minuteman II, and 13 Minuteman III.
February 1972
With Congressional approval, USAF issued requests
for proposals (RFPs) to contractors for the major subsystems of
Subsonic Cruise Aircraft Decoy (SCAD).
1 March 1972
The first production line SRAM was delivered to
the Strategic Air Command.
4 March 1972
The first SRAM arrived at the 42d Bombardment Wing
(B-52G), Loring AFB, Maine.
4 April 1972
Headquarters USAF designated the Advanced ICBM as
Missile-X (MX).
6-14 April 1972
SAC conducted its fifth missile competition at
Vandenberg AFB, California. To broaden participation and increase
interest in the meet, each Minuteman and Titan II wing sent four
combat crews instead of two as in previous years. For the first time
in the history of the competition, a Titan IT unit, the 381st
Strategic Missile Wing, McConnell AFB, Kansas, secured the Blanchard
Trophy as the best missile wing in SAC. The best Minuteman wing award
was won by the 351st Strategic Missile Wing, Whiteman AFB, Missouri.
13 April 1972
The last Minuteman II phase I operational test
flew from Vandenberg AFB, California.
26 May 1972
A Strategic Arms Limitation (SAL) agreement was
signed by President Richard M. Nixon and Soviet Ccncral Secretary
Leonid I. Brezhnev. Under the terms of this agreement, the Soviet
Union was limited to an ICBM force of 1,618 launchers and the United
States to 1,054 launchers, while the Soviet Union's
submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) strength was set at a
figure of 740 as opposed to 656 for the United States. In addition,
both sides agreed to limit the development of an antiballistic
missile (ABM) system to two complexes of 100 interceptor missiles
each, one complex to defend ICBMs, the other to defend each country's
national capital.
13 June 1972
At Vandenberg AFB, California, the first flight
test (nicknamed Giant Patriot) of the Operational Base Launch Safety
System (OBLSS, launched aboard a Force Modernized Minuteman II ICBM)
was successful. The OBLSS was an internally-mounted destruct system
which would allow the launch of a Minuteman II ICBM from an
operational silo while providing ground controllers with an effective
safety destruct system if the missile malfunctioned or deviated
radically from its projected flight path.
15 June 1972
An aircraft and crew from the 42d Bombardment Wing
(B-52G) at Loring AFB, Maine, successfully launched the first
production line SRAM over the White Sands Missile Range.
13 July 1972
Last Quail operational test flown at the Eglin
AFB, Florida, water test area.
15 September 1972
42d Bombardment Wing, Loring AFB, Maine,
became the first B-52 wing to be operational with the Short Range
Attack Missile (SRAM).
19 September 1972
The first Minuteman III ICBM Phase I
Operational Test (OT) launch (from a regular Minuteman II launch
facility) at Vandenberg AFB, California, was successful.
November 1972
Command data buffer and upgrade silo programs
began at F. E. Warren AFB, Wyoming, as part of the Minuteman
integrated improvement program.
4 December 1972
The first Minuteman III phase II operational
test was launched from Vandenberg AFB, California.
22 December 1972
Headquarters USAF directed M-X development to
start in FY 1977 with emphasis on air and ground mobile basing.
31 December 1972
During 1972 SAC launched 8 Minuteman IIs; 11
Minuteman IIIs, and 2 Titan IIs from Vandenberg AFB, California.
1 January 1973
The 509th Bombardment Wing, Pease AFB, New
Hampshire, became the first FB-111 wing to be operational with the
Short Range Attack Missile (SRAM).
9 January 1973
Operational Testing and Evaluation (OT&E,
nicknamed Bullet Blitz) of the SRAM from B-52 aircraft began at
Holloman AFB, New Mexico.
March 1973
The Minuteman force modernization program which
began at Whiteman AFB, Missouri in 1966 completed at Ellsworth AFB,
South Dakota.
26 April – 4 May 1973
The Strategic Air Command's sixth
missile combat competition took place at Vandenberg AFB, California.
Following an extremely close race, the 90th Strategic Missile Wing,
Francis E. Warren AFB, Wyoming, won the Blanchard Trophy. The 308th
Strategic Missile Wing, Little Rock AFB, Arkansas, secured the
accolade of best Titan II wing.
15 May 1973
The fifth and last Modified Operational Missiles
(MOMs) test took place at the 742d Strategic Missile Squadron, Minot
AFB, North Dakota. To replace the MOMs program, SAC developed the
Simulated Electronic Launch-Minuteman (SELM) program.
30 June 1973
Deputy Secretary of Defense William P. Clements
terminated engineering development of Subsonic Cruise Aircraft Decoy
(SCAD) and reoriented it to a technology program. At the same time
the Navy was directed to continue development of two prototype cruise
missile systems.
20 July 1973
Malcolm R. Currie, Director Defense Research and
Engineering (DDR&E), directed USAF to develop a long range air
launched cruise missile based on the canceled SCAD vehicle.
24 July 1973
Last Hound Dog operational test flown at the Eglin
water test area.
31 December 1973
During 1973 SAC launched 6 Minuteman II, 6
Minuteman III, and 1 Titan II from Vandenberg AFB, California.
1 February 1974
The first Simulated Electronic Launch-Minuteman
(SELM) exercise, Giant Pace Test 74-1, was completed at Ellsworth
AFB, South Dakota. During this test, 11 SELM-configured Minuteman II
ICBMs underwent successful simulated launch on command by test launch
control centers (LCCs) and the Airborne Launch Control System (ALCS).
25 April - 3 May 1974
The 321st Strategic Missile Wing, Grand
Forks AFB, North Dakota, won the Blanchard Perpetual Trophy as the
best missile wing in SAC during the seventh annual missile
competition. The 321st also won the award for best Minuteman wing,
while the 390th Strategic Missile Wing, Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, a
close second for the Blanchard Trophy, captured the award for the
best Titan II wing.
1 July 1974
The initial training of Minuteman missile combat
crews, formerly performed by Air Training Command (ATC) instructors
at Vandenberg AFB, California, was incorporated into the 4315th
Combat Crew Training Squadron's Operational Readiness Training (ORT)
program at Vandenberg. As a result of this action, the entire
Minuteman missile combat training, from beginning (initial training)
to end (upgrade training) became the responsibility of SAC.
3 September 1974
The last SAC Minuteman I was taken off alert
at the 90th Strategic Missile Wing, Francis E. Warren AFB, Wyoming,
as the wing converted to Minuteman III missiles.
6 September 1974
Headquarters USAF authorized Air Force
Logistics Command (AFLC) to start the Rivet Save Minuteman Manning
Modification Program as a Class V modification project. The program
was designed to reduce the authorized Minuteman crew force by
approximately 600 by shortening the alert tour from 36 to 24 hours
and permitting one crew member to sleep while inside the Launch
Control Center (LCC). Circuitry modifications to the LCC's Launch
Control Panel would eliminate the remote possibility of an
unauthorized launch by a single crew member.
24 October 1974
Space and Missile Systems Organization (SAMSO)
successfully launched a Minuteman I ICBM from C-5A a cargo aircraft.
21 November 1974
Bowing to administration pressure for lower
defense budgets, Secretary of Defense James Schlesinger moved M-X
initial operating capability date from 1983 to 1985.
24 November 1974
President Gerald R. Ford and General Secretary
Leonid I. Brezhnev signed the Vladivostok Strategic Arms Limitation
(SAL) Accord. Under the terms of this agreement, an overall ceiling
of 2,400 strategic delivery vehicles was established for both
American and Soviet strategic offensive forces and a numerical limit
of 1,320 was placed on the number of strategic delivery vehicles that
could be equipped with Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry
Vehicles (MIRVs).
31 December 1974
During 1974, SAC launched 7 Minuteman II, 6
Minuteman III and 1 Titan II missiles from Vandenberg AFB,
California.
20 January 1975
Teams from Ogden Air Logistics Center began
replacing the 50 Minuteman II ICBMs of the 564th Strategic Missile
Squadron, Malmstrom AFB, Montana, with Minuteman IIIs.
26 January 1975
SAC completed its Force Modernization Program.
This nine-year effort to replace all Minuteman I missiles with either
Minuteman IIs or IIIs ended when the last flight of the 90th
Strategic Missile Wing, F. E. Warren AFB, Wyoming, was outfitted with
the Minuteman III.
24 April - 2 May 1975
The eighth missile competition was
conducted at Vandenberg AFB, California, and the 381st Strategic
Missile Wing, McConnell AFB, Kansas, won the Blanchard Perpetual
Trophy. The 381st also captured the award for best Titan wing. Best
Minuteman wing award was captured by the 44th Strategic Missile Wing,
Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota.
24 April - 2 May 1975
For the first time in the history of the
missile competition, women actively participated. A1C Jeanine A.
Sousley competed as a member of the 308th Strategic Missile Wing's
reentry vehicle maintenance team and Sergeant Jo A. Williamson
competed as a member of the 321st Strategic Missile Wing's electronic
laboratory maintenance team.
25 June 1975
Air Force successfully conducted the first of two
jettison vehicle test flights of the Boeing-built Air Launched Cruise
Missile (ALCM) from a B-52 Short Range Attack Missile (SRAM) rotary
launcher.
30 June 1975
Last Hound Dogs removed from alert.
11 July 1975
Minuteman III, number 550, became operational at
the 341st Strategic Missile Wing, Malmstrom AFB, Montana. The
Minuteman force mix was now 450 Minuteman II/550 Minuteman III.
15 August 1975
Headquarters USAF directed that an M-X ground
mobile basing option be given equal emphasis to silo basing.
20 August 1975
The last of 1,500 SRAMs was delivered to SAC's
320th Bombardment Wing, Mather AFB, California.
8 October 1975
The Air Force-Navy Navigation/Guidance Equipment
Source Selection Board chose the McDonnell Douglas Corporation to
develop the navigation-guidance equipment for the Air Launched Cruise
Missile (ALCM).
7 November 1975
In a formal roll-out ceremony, Boeing delivered
Air Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM) Flight Test Missile Number One
from manufacturing to the Missile Integration Laboratory.
4 December 1975
The last Titan II Special Operational Test
(SOT) in support of Ballistic Missile Defense objectives was launched
from Vandenberg AFB, California.
31 December 1975
During 1975, SAC launched 7 Minuteman III, 4
Minuteman II and 3 Titan II missiles from Vandenberg AFB, California.
12 February 1976
The Odgen Air Logistics Center (ALC) granted
to Boeing Company critical design review approval and authorization
to begin production of Rivet Save-modified Launch Enable Control
Group panel. Rivet Save reduced missile crew strength by one-third.
5 March 1976
The first powered flight of an Air Launched Cruise
Missile took place over the White Sands Missile Range. The 14-foot
missile was ejected from a B-52G SRAM rotary launcher.
9 March 1976
The Defense Systems Acquisition Review Council
(DSARC) stated a preference for the buried trench basing mode for
M-X.
20-30 April 1976
The 341st Strategic Missile Wing, Malmstrom
AFB, Montana, won the Blanchard Perpetual Trophy in the ninth annual
missile competition. The 381st Strategic Missile Wing, McConnell AFB,
Kansas, was judged best Titan II wing.
27 June 1976
First successful test flight of a Titan II ICBM
equipped with a Universal Space Guidance System took place at
Vandenberg AFB, California. This was the last Titan II Special
Operational Test to date.
July 1976
Convinced that silo-based ICBMs would be vulnerable
to the new generation of Soviet ICBMs, the U.S. Congress refused to
appropriate funding for the validation of silo-based M-X missiles.
Intent on reducing the budget, Congress also deleted funding for the
airmobile option, reduced total FY 77 M-X funding from $84 million to
$69 million, and directed that $35 million of this amount be used to
validate multiple aim point (MAP) basing in either the buried trench
or shelter basing modes.
26 August 1976
SAC launched its 500th missile from Vandenberg
AFB, California, a Minuteman II.
9 September 1976
Air Force conducted the first fully guided Air
Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM) flight test. The missile successfully
negotiated four Terrain Correlation (TERCOM) mapped areas, completing
a TERCOM update in each area during the 30 minute flight. The missile
fulfilled all test objectives.
31 December 1976
During 1976, SAC launched 7 Minuteman III, 7
Minuteman II and a Titan II missile from Vandenberg AFB, California.
10 January 1977
Headquarters USAF authorized $245 million to be
spent during FY 78 on full-scale engineering development phase of M-X
program. By this date validation funding totaled $134 million.
14 January 1977
Deputy Secretary of Defense William Clements
directed the Air Force to begin full-scale production of the Air
Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM).
22 February 1977
President Carter decided to terminate
production of Minuteman III missiles.
27 April - 6 May 1977
The 351st Strategic Missile Wing,
Whiteman AFB, Missouri, won the Blanchard Perpetual Trophy for the
third time at the tenth annual missile competition. Best Titan II
wing was the 390th Strategic Missile Wing, Davis-Monthan AFB,
Arizona.
15 May 1977
Secretary of Defense Brown informed the Senate
Appropriations Committee that he had directed the Air Force to
develop the extended range Air Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM) B
before the ALCM A "because of a significant advantage in cost to
deliver weapons on suitable targets (i.e., those not SAM-defended) in
the 1980s."
30 June 1977
President Carter announced on nationwide
television that the B-1 bomber would not be produced and that the
cruise missile would go into production.
11 August 1977
Validation testing conducted at Luke AFB,
Arizona, indicated that buried trench basing could not resist
explosive pressures. For this reason Space and Missile Systems
Organization (SAMSO) turned its attention to the hybrid trench
concept.
23 September 1977
Headquarters USAF announced a program that
would begin to recruit women for Titan II combat crews.
1 October 1977
SAC reorganized the security police functions at
the six Minuteman bases in the command. The reorganization was
designed to improve efficiency by dividing the existing squadrons
into smaller and more manageable units.
1 October 1977
Between this date and 31 March 1978, SAC reduced
the authorized Minuteman crew force by approximately 600 under
project Rivet Save. To achieve this reduction, SAC shortened the
Minuteman alert tour from 36 to 24 hours, permitting one crew member
to sleep while inside the Launch Control Center (LCC). Circuitry
modifications to the LCC's Launch Enable Control Group Signal Panel
eliminated the remote possibility of an unauthorized launch by a
single crew member.
7 December 1977
Secretary of Defense Brown announced publicly
that the U.S. would "curb drastically the deployment of cruise
missiles as part of SALT II agreement with the Soviet Union."
Land and sea launched cruise missiles would be restricted to a
tactical range of 375 NM; air launched cruise missiles would continue
to be developed to meet a range of 1,350 NM (2,500 km).
31 December 1977
During 1977, SAC launched 9 Minuteman III and
3 Minuteman II operational test missiles from Vandenberg AFB,
California.
5 April 1978
Headquarters USAF issued an interim program
management directive with guidance for the initiation of the cruise
missile carrier aircraft advanced development program. It authorized
the conduct of studies and analyses to determine the suitability of
wide-body aircraft as missile carriers.
28 April - 4 May 1978
The 91st Strategic Missile Wing, Minot
AFB, North Dakota, won the eleventh annual missile competition and
was awarded the Blanchard Perpetual Trophy. The 91st was also the
best Minuteman wing while the 381st Strategic Missile Wing, McConnell
AFB, Kansas, won best Titan II wing honors.
23 May 1978
Headquarters USAF issued the FY 1980-84 Program
Objectives Memorandum that endorsed a production rate of 40 cruise
missiles per month.
15 June 1978
Last Hound Dogs demilitarized and removed from SAC
inventory at the 42d Bombardment Wing, Loring AFB, Maine.
30 June 1978
Last Quails removed from alert.
12 July 1978
Air Force released environmental impact statement
claiming that while deployment of ground mobile M-X in parts of
Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah might damage the environment, it would
benefit local economies.
18 August 1978
Airman First Class Tina M. Ponzer, 381st
Strategic Missile Wing, McConnell AFB, Kansas, became the first
female airman to perform Titan II alert.
24 August 1978
Titan II Launch Complex 533-7, assigned to the
381st Strategic Missile Wing, McConnell AFB, Kansas, was
severely damaged by oxidizer leaking from the missile. Two Air Force
personnel were killed.
16 September 1978
First Lieutenant Patricia M. Fornes, 381st
Strategic Missile Wing, McConnell AFB, Kansas, became the first
female officer to perform SAC Titan II alert.
18-19 October 1978
The General Russell E. Dougherty Short Range
Attack Missile (SRAM) Trophy was awarded for the first time. Named
for the former Commander in Chief of SAC, the trophy was given to the
B-52/FB-111 unit with the best score in simulated SRAM launchings.
The 319th Bombardment Wing, Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota, was the
first winner.
1 November 1978
Last Quails demilitarized and removed from SAC
inventory at the 97th Bombardment Wing, Blytheville AFB, Arkansas.
30 November 1978
Last Minuteman G delivered to the Air Force at
Hill AFB, Utah.
5 December 1978
Defense Systems Acquisition Review Council
(DSARC) II recommended full—scale development of vertical
multiple protective shelter basing for the M-X. Dr. William Perry,
Undersecretary of Defense, Research and Engineering, directed a study
of airmobile basing for M-X.
31 December 1978
During 1978, SAC launched 7 Minuteman III and
3 Minuteman II operational test missiles from Vandenberg AFB,
California.
31 March 1979
President Carter authorized development of M-X in
undisclosed ground mobile basing mode.
31 March 1979
DSARC IIB reviewed the results of the airmobile
basing for M-X study and concluded that it was feasible but not
desirable because of reliance on tactical warning, loss of accuracy
and cost.
27 April - 3 May 1979
The 390th Strategic Missile Wing,
Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, won the SAC missile combat competition
for the first time. The Titan II unit was presented the Blanchard
Perpetual Trophy by General Richard H. Ellis, Commander in Chief,
SAC. Best Minuteman wing at this twelfth annual competition was the
341st Strategic Missile Wing, Malmstrom AFB, Montana.
5 June 1979
President Carter approved full-scale engineering
development for the M-X missile, intended to be the mainstay of the
U.S. ICBM fleet in the late twentieth century.
1 July 1979
The competitive fly-off between General Dynamics
and Boeing Company for the determination of the contract award of the
Air Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM) began in California.
10 July 1979
SAC launched two Minuteman III ICBMs from
Vandenberg AFB, California, during exercise Global Shield, a
comprehensive exercise of SAC's nuclear forces. One of these Global
Shield missions, Glory Trip 40 GM, was the last Minuteman III phase I
operational test flight. The missiles were launched 12 seconds apart
by a SAC task force from the 90th Strategic Missile Wing, F. E.
Warren AFB, Wyoming.
16 July 1979
Minuteman F ERCS operational test launch conducted
as part of Exercise Global Shield 79.
7 September 1979
President Carter announced selection of
horizontal multiple protective shelter basing for 200 M-X missiles
among 4600 shelters.
1 November 1979
As a result of Aerospace Defense Command
reorganization SAC acquired its first Thor missiles since 1967.
29 November 1979
The Dougherty Trophy, awarded for the unit
compiling the most points for simulated SRAM launches, was won by the
379th Bombardment Wing, Wurtsmith AFB, Michigan, a B-52 unit.
31 December 1979
During 1979, SAC launched 7 Minuteman III and
4 Minute- man II operational test missiles from Vandenberg AFB,
California.
22 January 1980
The Integrated Improvement Program, which
included command data buffer and upgrade silo, completed at the 351st
Strategic Missile Wing, Whiteman AFB, Missouri, ending the last major
Minuteman modification program.
18 April 1980
A three million dollar Data Transfer Center was
incorporated into the Western Test Range building at Vandenberg AFB,
California. This center supported such programs as the space shuttle,
M-X missile testing, and the entire Global Positioning System
navigational satellite network.
24-30 April 1980
In the thirteenth annual missile competition,
the 381st Strategic Missile Wing, McConnell AFB, Kansas, received the
Blanchard Perpetual Trophy as well as the best Titan II award. Best
Minuteman wing was the 90th Strategic Missile Wing, F.E. Warren AFB,
Wyoming.
14 July 1980
The 394th ICBM Test Maintenance Squadron launched
the final Block 5D-1 Defense Meteorological Satellite aboard a Thor
booster at Vandenberg AFB, California. This was the tenth SAC space
launch, and the first since February 1967. No orbit was achieved,
however, due to an inflight anomaly within the booster.
17 September 1980
Glory Trip 77GM, a Minuteman III Operational
Test, became the longest Minuteman flight test from Vandenberg AFB,
California, when its payload impacted a broad ocean area target over
5,600 nautical miles downrange.
18 September 1980
Titan II Launch Complex 374-7, assigned to
the 308th Strategic Missile Wing, Little Rock AFB,
Arkansas, was destroyed by an explosion. One Air Force maintenance
man was killed.
20 November 1980
The 320th Bombardment Wing, Mather AFB,
California, was presented the Dougherty Trophy for compiling the most
points in simulated SRAM launches during the annual SAC Bombing
Competition.
31 December 1980
During 1980, SAC launched 1 Minuteman II, 7
Minuteman III, and 1 Thor.
11 January 1981
First two Air Launched Cruise Missiles (ALCMs)
were delivered to the 416th Bombardment Wing, Griffiss AFB, New York,
where they were used initially for environmental testing and
maintenance training.
23 April 1981
SAC received its first operational Air Launched
Cruise Missile (ALCM). It was assigned to the 416th Bombardment Wing,
Griffiss AFB, New York, more than five months before President Ronald
Reagan announced plans to deploy over 3,000 such weapons on B-52Cs
and B-52Hs as well as on the new B-1 bomber.
1-7 May 1981
The fourteenth annual missile competition was held
at Vandenberg AFB, California, with the Blanchard Perpetual Trophy
being won by the 351st Strategic Missile Wing, Whiteman AFB,
Missouri. The 351st was also the best Minuteman wing while the 308th
Strategic Missile Wing, Little Rock AFB, Arkansas, captured the best
Titan II wing award.
25 July 1981
First launch of an Air Launched Cruise Missile
(ALCM) by an offensive avionics system (OAS)-equipped B-52.
15 August 1981
First Air Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM)
Offensive Avionics System (OAS modified B-52G (a/n 58-0247) was
delivered to SAC at the 416th Bombardment Wing, Griffiss AFB, New
York.
4 September 1981
Last modified Thor space booster transferred
from 394th ICBM Test Maintenance Squadron, Vandenberg AFB,
California, to storage facilities at Norton AFB, California.
9 September 1981
Headquarters USAF directed SAC and AFSC to
define milestones and costs for 100 M-X missiles in 1,000 protective
shelters, research and development work for deep underground TCBM
basing, and research and development for continuous patrol aircraft.
15 September 1981
A B-52G crew from the 416th Bombardment Wing,
Griffiss AFB, New York, conducted the first Air Launched Cruise
Missile (ALCM) training flight, a nine hour mission designed to
gather data on the aircraft and missile systems. The B-52G was
equipped with 12 ALCMs carried externally and eight Short Range
Attack Missiles (SRAMs) carried in the bomb bay.
2 October 1981
President Ronald Reagan cancelled the horizontal
multiple protective shelter basing scheme for M-X and announced plans
for a near-term deployment of a limited number of M-X missiles in
superhardened Titan II or Minuteman silos. He also ordered further
research and development on deep basing, continuous patrol aircraft,
and ballistic missile defense.
2 October 1981
Deputy Secretary of Defense Frank P. Carlucci
ordered the inactivation of the Titan II Weapon System as soon as
possible.
18 November 1981
The 320th Bombardment Wing, Mather AFB,
California, won the Dougherty Trophy for attaining the best SRAM
score in SAC's annual bombing competition.
30 December 1981
Secretary of Defense Caspar W. Weinberger
ordered the deployment of 40 M-X missiles in existing Minuteman silos
by 1986. He also directing the development of further long-term
basing options.
31 December 1981
During 1981, SAC conducted eight Minuteman III
test launches at Vandenberg AFB, California.
26 January 1982
The M-X missile successfully passed a test of
its cold launch system at a Nevada test site. During the test, a
weight-simulated M-X shell was ejected more than 300 feet into the
air.
27 January 1982
Coated with approximately three-quarters of an
inch of ice, the Air-Launched Cruise Missile successfully
demonstrated its all-climate capability after being launched from
beneath the wing of a B-52G over the Utah Test and Training Range.
29 January 1982
Air Force Secretary Verne Orr dedicated the M-X
Integrated Test Facility at Vandenberg AFB, California. The new
facility consolidated many key activities associated with the
missile's test program into a single building.
25 March 1982
The Senate Armed Services Committee unanimously
voted to deny funding for the M-X based in Minuteman silos.
April 1982
The Senate deleted funding for interim basing of M-X
and directed acceleration of efforts to identify a permanent basing
method. The Secretary of Defense was directed to inform Congress by 1
December 1982 of the technologies that should be pursued.
23-29 April 1982
The 41th Strategic Missile Wing, Ellsworth
AFB, South Dakota, captured the Blanchard Trophy as the best missile
wing in SAC at the fifteenth annual missile competition held at
Vandenberg AFB, California. The 381st Strategic Missile Wing,
McConnell AFB, Kansas, the best Titan unit, finished one point behind
the Blanchard Trophy winner.
2 July 1982
The Titan II missile at Site 9 in the 570th
Strategic Missile Squadron, 390th Strategic Missile Wing,
Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, was removed from alert for testing. As
result, this site became the first to be inactivated in the Titan II
phaseout program.
15 July 1982
The SAC Missile Launch Facility at Vandenberg AFB,
California, launched its 1,500th missile since beginning launch
operations on 15 December 1958.
20-21 September 1982
The 320th Bombardment Wing, Mather AFB,
California, participated in a test program to air launch Navy Harpoon
missiles. The flights tested the aerodynamics and compatibility of
the externally mounted missiles on B-52s. The Harpoon was designed to
attack enemy shipping.
21 September 1982
A B-52G from the 4l6th Bombardment Wing,
Griffiss AFB, New York, conducted the first ALCM operational test
launch.
30 September 1982
Titan II deactivation, designed Rivet Cap,
formally began with the removal of Site 571-6 from alert at
David-Monthan AFB, Arizona.
22 November 1982
In his decision statement submitted to
Congress, President Ronald Reagan stated his plan to produce the M-X
missile and deploy it in superhardened silos at F.E. Warren AFB,
Wyoming. The President's statement also gave the new missile the
designation of "Peacekeeper."
22 November 1982
Titan II Site 570-9 at Davis-Monthan AFB,
Arizona, the first site to be inactivated, was placed in caretaker
status.
23 November 1982
Lieutenant General George Miller, Vice
CINCSAC, said that "a major factor in the decision to deploy the
new Peacekeeper missile near Cheyenne (F.E. Warren AFB, Wyoming) is
that it is farther north than other areas that were considered and
because its geography and geology most nearly meet SAC standards."
December 1982
The first full-scale test firing of the
Peacekeeper missile second-stage solid rocket motor under simulated
altitude conditions was conducted at Arnold Air Force Station,
Tennessee. The 60,000-pound motor was ignited at a simulated altitude
of 70,000 feet.
7 December 1982
Air Force officials in Washington D.C.
announced that scale model tests had demonstrated that the super-hard
Peacekeeper silo design surpassed Air Force expectations.
14 December 1982
President Ronald Reagan agreed to a plan that
would permit Peacekeeper production to proceed, but would require him
to submit new basing plans to Congress.
16 December 1982
The first squadron of B-52G bombers carrying
nuclear-tipped Air-Launched Cruise Missiles became combat ready at
the 416th Bombardment Wing, Griffiss AFB, New York.
20 December 1982
A House-Senate conference committee refused to
approve funds for Peacekeeper production. The decision eliminated
from a spending bill $988 million earmarked for the production of the
five of the 100 Peacekeeper missiles.
31 December 1982
During 1982, SAC conducted three Minuteman II
and six Minuteman III test launches from Vandenberg AFB, California.
18 January 1983
Headquarters SAC planners published a Statement
of Operational Need for a maritime weapon to be released from
strategic aircraft. The Harpoon missile was identified as the best
weapon currently available to support U.S. naval forces and to evade
Soviet radar and Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft.
20 January 1983
SAC issued a Statement of Need for a missile to
succeed the SRAM A.
3 February 1983
SAC completed the retrofitting of 300 Minuteman
III ICBMs with Mark-12A reentry systems.
9 March 1983
SAC issued a Statement of Need for an Improved
Penetration Capability for the Minuteman III ICBM.
15-28 March 1983
SAC successfully performed three demonstration
launches of Harpoon missiles from two B-52Gs during tests off the
California coast. These demonstrations showed that a Harpoon-equipped
bomber could attack enemy shipping while flying at low altitude and
below radar coverage when targeting was provided by another aircraft.
18 March 1983
SAC published a Statement of Need for the
Medium-Range Air-to-Surface Missile (MRASM), a conventional standoff
weapon. In the same month, Headquarters USAF dropped MRASM from its
fiscal year 1985 Program Objective Memorandum.
31 March 1983
Headquarters USAF released a technical assessment
of the ICBM force requested by President Reagan. The study set two
goals for ICBM modernization: (1) deployment of a new, very accurate
ICBM and (2) development of a survivable basing method.
6 April 1983
The commission on strategic forces appointed by
President Reagan and chaired by retired USAF Lieutenant General Brent
Scowcroft issued its report on ICBM modernization. The Scowcroft
Commission recommended that the United States pursue three
approaches: (1) develop a small, single warhead ICBM to meet the long
range need for a survivable land-based missile, (2) immediately
deploy 100 Peacekeeper ICBMs in existing Minuteman silos, and (3)
examine all basing alternatives for both the small ICBM and
Peacekeeper.
19 April 1983
President Reagan approved the Scowcroft
Commission's proposals.
21 April 1983
The United States Defense Department and the
Canadian Ministry of Defence signed a general memorandum of
understanding for a joint program to test and evaluate the Air
Launched Cruise Missile.
29 April – 5 May 1983
The 381st Strategic Missile Wing,
McConnell AFB, Kansas, won the Blanchard Trophy at the 1983 missile
combat competition. The Titan II wing thus became the second
four-time winner of the Blanchard Trophy.
24-25 May 1983
On successive days, the House of Representatives
and the Senate endorsed the Scowcroft Commission's recommendations.
10 June 1983
Headquarters USAF issued interim authorization for
planning Peacekeeper deployment in Minuteman silos.
17 June 1983
The first Peacekeeper ICBM was launched by Air
Force Systems Command from an aboveground cannister-type launch
facility. This was the first "cold launch" of a missile at
Vandenberg AFB, California.
21 July 1983
The first launch of an ALCM under the Follow-on
Test and Evaluation program took place.
10 August 1983
Secretary of Defense Caspar W. Weinberger
directed Secretary of the Air Force Verne Orr to (1) deploy 100
Peacekeeper missiles in Minuteman silos at the 400th and 319th
Strategic Missile Squadrons, 90th Strategic Missile Wing, F.E. Warren
AFB, Wyoming, (2) initiate the engineering design of a small, single
warhead ICBM, (3) further investigate ICBM basing alternatives, (4)
study the effects of fratricide and the development of penetration
aids.
6 October 1983
Limited Operational Capability for the Harpoon
was achieved at Loring AFB, Maine, when three B-52Gs were modified to
carry the AGM-84 Harpoon antiship missile.
25 October 1983
Headquarters USAF approved the Statement of
Need for an Improved Penetration Capability for the Minuteman III
ICBM.
28 October 1983
The 379th Bombardment Wing, Wurtsmith AFB,
Michigan, won the Dougherty Trophy for the best simulated SRAM score
in the annual bombing competition.
30 November 1983
Explosive demolition began on headworks at
Titan II missile Complex 570-7 at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona. By the
end of 1983, Complexes 570-8 and 570-1 had also been demolished.
1 December 1983
The final class of enlisted Titan II students
graduated from the 4315th Combat Crew Training Squadron training
course at Vandenberg AFB, California.
2 December 1983
SAC inactivated the 571st Strategic Missile
Squadron at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona.
31 December 1983
During 1983, SAC launched nine Minuteman III
operational test missiles from Vandenberg AFB, California.
31 December 1983
In 1983, Air Force Systems Command conducted
three Peacekeeper test launches from Vandenberg AFB, California.
19 January 1984
SAC issued a Statement of Need for a
conventional standoff weapon for strategic aircraft. Although the
command had no specific weapon system in mind, the Assault Breaker
system, then under development, promised to satisfy the requirement.
30 January 1984
Headquarters USAF and the Navy signed a
memorandum of agreement setting guidelines for the B-52/Harpoon
program. The pact called for the Navy to maintain an adequate stock
of B-52 compatible Harpoons and for SAC and the Navy to work together
in developing tactics and in formulating a joint test plan.
31 January 1984
The 319th Bombardment Wing at Grand Forks AFB,
North Dakota, attained total alert capability with B-52s carrying Air
Launched Cruise Missiles (ALCM).
14 February 1984
The government of Canadian Prime Minister
Pierre E. Trudeau announced that it would proceed with its prior
agreement to permit U.S. ALCM testing in Canada. A ruling from the
Federal Court of Canada on a suit to forbid U.S. ALCM tests in Canada
was still pending.
29 February 1984
Special Operational Tests of Minuteman II
ICBMs ended with the launch of Glory Trip 146 at Vandenberg AFB,
California.
1 March 1984
Deployment of Minuteman Extended Survivable Power
and guidance sets began at the 321st Strategic Missile Wing, Grand
Forks AFB, North Dakota.
6 March 1984
A B-52G from the 319th Bombardment Wing conducted
the first ALCM captive-carry mission over Canada's Northern Test
Range. In a related development on the same day, the Federal Court of
Canada dismissed a suit that would have ended ALCM tests.
2 April 1984
Headquarters SAC suspended the deactivation of
Titan II launch sites when an alternate storage facility for the fuel
propellant being removed from the missiles was forced to close
temporarily.
3-10 May 1984
The 90th Strategic Missile Wing, F.E. Warren,
AFB, Wyoming, won the Blanchard Trophy as the best missile wing in
SAC during the annual missile combat competition. The title of Best
Titan Wing went to the 308th Strategic Missile Wing, Little Rock AFB,
Arkansas.
21 May 1984
Launch Complex 570-5, the last active complex at
the 390th Strategic Missile Wing, Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, was
removed from alert.
25 May 1984
Deactivation of Titan II missiles resumed after the
alternate fuel storage facility at Sacramento, California, reopened
following repairs.
1 June 1984
Maintenance technicians completed the installation
of carbon-carbon nose-tips on Minuteman IIIs at the 341st Strategic
Missile Wing, Malmstrom AFB, Montana.
15 June 1984
The first Peacekeeper with a Mark-21 test reentry
vehicle was flight-tested at Vandenberg AFB, California. The Mark-21
resembled the reentry vehicle intended for the Peacekeeper weapon
system.
July 1984
The first Harpoon (AGM-84) antiship missile was
delivered to the 69th Bombardment Squadron, 42d Bombardment Wing,
Loring AFB, Maine.
1 July 1984
Construction of Peacekeeper support facilities
began at the 90th Strategic Missile Wing, F.E. Warren AFB, Wyoming.
2 July 1984
Deactivation of the Titan II ICBM began at the
381st Strategic Missile Wing, McConnell AFB, Kansas, when Launch
Complex 533-8 was removed from alert.
10 July 1984
The Department of Defense approved plans to donate
one deactivated launch site at each Titan II base to a public agency
for use as a museum.
31 July 1984
The 570th Strategic Missile Squadron,
Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, was inactivated. Simultaneously, the
390th Strategic Missile Wing, Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, became the
first Titan II wing to be inactivated.
31 August 1984
The 381st Strategic Missile Wing, McConnell AFB,
Kansas, placed its first missile site, 533-8, in caretaker status as
part of the Titan II inactivation.
19 October 1984
The 416th Bombardment Wing, Griffiss AFB, New
York, won the Dougherty Trophy for the best SRAM performance in SAC's
annual bombing competition.
31 October 1984
SAC celebrated the 25th anniversary of the
first missile on alert.
2 November 1984
Fire broke out at McConnell AFB Launch Complex
532-7 after liquid fuel had been unloaded from a Titan II missile.
The incident jeopardized the Titan II deactivation schedule.
12 November 1984
Four anti-nuclear demonstrators trespassed
onto Launch Facility N-05 assigned to the 351st Strategic Missile
Wing, Whiteman AFB, Missouri. The protestors caused $25,000 worth of
damage and were arrested by SAC Security Police.
15 November 1984
An ALCM launch over the Utah test range served
as a dress rehersal for a 1985 free flight over the Canadian Northern
Test Range.
4 December 1984
Air Force Systems Command ordered an interim
suspension of work on the ALCM-B improved engine program.
21 December 1984
The Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center
declared that Harpoon missile carrying B-52Gs had reached Initial
Operational Capability.
31 December 1984
Cruise missile integration was completed on
the last 90 B-52Gs designated as ALCM carriers.
31 December 1984
During 1984, SAC launched one Minuteman II and
seven Minuteman III operational test missiles from Vandenberg AFB,
California.
31 December 1984
In 1984, Air Force Systems Command conducted
three developmental test launches of the Peacekeeper ICBM at
Vandenberg AFB, California.
January 1985
Headquarters SAC and Ogden Air Logistics Center
determined that the November 1984 fire at Launch Complex 532-7, 381st
Strategic Missile Wing, McConnell AFB, Kansas, had been caused by a
leakage that could be prevented by procedural changes. This finding
enabled Titan II deactivation to proceed according to schedule.
4 February 1985
General B. L. Davis, CINCSAC, formally
authorized the creation of gender-specific (all male or all female)
launch crews for Minuteman and Peacekeeper. This decision opened
SAC's two other ICBM systems to female missileers (who had been
limited to the Titan II) while retaining the command's longstanding
opposition to mixed crews.
9 February 1985
The Air Force awarded SRAM II system definition
study contracts to three contractors.
19 February 1985
A B-52 from the 319th Bombardment Wing, Grand
Forks AFB, North Dakota, launched the first ALCM flight test missile
over the Beaufort Sea north of Canada.
22 February 1985
A U.S. District Court jury in Kansas City,
Missouri, convicted four anti-nuclear demonstrators on all counts for
the unauthorized entry and destruction of government property at a
Whiteman AFB launch complex in November 1984. On 18 March, the
defendants were sentenced to prison terms ranging from eight to
eighteen years.
1 March 1985
A Fifteenth Air Force policy requiring squadron
commanders and operations officers to perform periodic alert duty
took effect.
1 April 1985
SAC began Rivet Mile, a multi-faceted program to
ensure the reliability and maintainability of the Minuteman force
into the 21st century.
3 April 1985
Lieutenant General William J. Campbell, Vice
CINCSAC, asked Headquarters USAF to approve an acceleration of Titan
II deactivation at the 308th Strategic Missile Wing, Little Rock AFB,
Arkansas. Under this proposal, the 308th Strategic Missile Wing would
begin its phased inactivation in April 1985 rather than October.
General Campbell argued that an early start at Little Rock would help
SAC and the Air Force complete Titan II deactivation by the target
date of September 1987.
20 April 1985
B-52 crews completed initial training for Harpoon
anti-ship missile operations.
21 April 1985
The 308th Strategic Missile Wing, Little Rock
AFB, Arkansas, began Titan II deactivation.
26 April – 2 May 1985
The 308th Strategic Missile Wing,
Little Rock AFB, Arkansas, won the Blanchard Trophy as the best
missile wing at the eighteenth annual SAC Missile Combat Competition.
This outcome marked the first time that the 308th had won the
Blanchard. The 341st Strategic Missile Wing, Malmstrom AFB, Montana,
won honors as the Best Minuteman Wing.
23 May 1985
On a 78 to 20 vote, the Senate approved a modified
version of an amendment offered by Senator Sam Nunn (D-GA). The Nunn
amendment limited Peacekeeper procurement to 12 new missiles in FY 86
and set an ultimate objective of 50 new silo-based ICBMs. The
amendment provided for additional Peacekeepers if "a different
basing mode is proposed by the President and agreed to by the
Congress." By July, both the House and the Senate versions of
the FY 86 Defense Authorization Bill included wording that limited
silo-based Peacekeepers and mandated a different basing method.
1 June 1985
Fifteenth Air Force began "Operation Teamwork"
under which missile crew members performed limited, specific
maintenance actions.
17 June 1985
Headquarters SAC formed a special committee to
recommend a follow-on basing method for the Peacekeeper. The "Tiger
Team" studied five alternatives (superhardened silos in pattern
array, superhard silos in Minuteman spaced basing, rail mobility,
multiple protective shelters, and ground mobility) and decided that
any of these options was acceptable provided that the second
installment of 50 Peacekeeper missiles was deployed.
29 June 1985
The 60th Bombardment Squadron, 43d Strategic Wing,
Andersen AFB, Guam, became the second B-52G squdron to be equipped
with the Harpoon antiship missile. This event marked the attainment
of full operational capability for the weapon system.
30 June 1985
Air Force Systems Command conducted the final
Peacekeeper launch from the aboveground launch pad at Vandenberg AFB,
California.
July 1985
The 7th Bombardment Wing, Carswell AFB, Texas, became
the first SAC unit to receive ALCM modified B-52H bombers.
15 July 1985
Two 42d Bombardment Wing B-52s simulated Harpoon
launches as part of U.S. Atlantic Command's exercise Readex 85-2.
This event marked the first Full Operational Test and Evaluation of
the Harpoon anti-ship missile.
23 August 1985
Air Force Systems Command successfully conducted
America's first land-based "cold launch" from an
underground silo, a modified Minuteman launch facility at Vandenberg
AFB, California.
26 September 1985
SAC completed the installation of Minuteman
III/Mark-12 carbon-carbon nosetips at the 90th Strategic Missile
Wing, F.E. Warren AFB, Wyoming.
30 September 1985
After 16 years, Ogden Air Logistics Center
ended the Titan II Reliability and Aging Surveillance Program/
Service Life Analysis Program.
5 October 1985
Headquarters SAC asked Headquarters USAF to
pursue new legislation that would increase the weight of the proposed
Small ICBM from 34,000 to 37,000 pounds.
11 October 1985
Software for the common Minuteman/Peacekeeper
Airborne Launch Control Center passed its critical design review.
22 October 1985
Tactical Air Command launched the first
ground-launched cruise missile from Vandenberg AFB, California, to
the Dugway Proving Ground in Utah. Bad weather forced termination of
the flight and parachute-recovery of the missile.
25 October 1985
The 319th Bombardment Wing, Grand Forks AFB,
North Dakota, won the Dougherty Trophy during the twenty-ninth annual
SAC Bombing and Navigation Competition.
25 October 1985
Following a briefing by the 3901st Strategic
Missile Evaluation Squadron, General Larry D. Welch, CINCSAC,
expressed concern that excessive noise and workloads had made Launch
Control Center duty too difficult. To improve the situation, the
CINCSAC asked his staff to formulate a program that would reduce
launch center message traffic by 25 percent.
28 October 1985
The first six female officers began initial
qualification training for Minuteman crew duty. All six women had
worked with the Titan II system.
30 October 1985
By this date, SAC had selected the first nine
Peacekeeper combat missile crews. To be considered for this honor,
crew members had to have current ICBM experience, be qualified on the
most advanced version of Minuteman, and hold the highest
effectiveness ratings. By November, five Peacekeeper instructor and
standardization crews were already in place at F.E. Warren AFB,
Wyoming.
31 December 1985
During 1985, SAC launched six Minuteman III
operational test missiles from Vandenberg AFB, California.
31 December 1985
In 1985, Air Force Systems Command conducted
four developmental test launches of the Peacekeeper missile from
Vandenberg AFB, California.
28 January 1986
The space shuttle launch schedule at Vandenberg
AFB, California, came to a halt when the Space Shuttle "Challenger"
exploded shortly after launch from the John F. Kennedy Space Center
in Florida killing all seven of its crew members.
7 February 1986
The first class of female Minuteman combat crew
officers completed initial qualification training at Vandenberg AFB,
California.
13 February 1986
Major General Hansford T. Johnson, SAC Deputy
Chief of Staff/Operations, directed all missile units to pursue a
"back to basics" approach to ICBM combat duty. The
general's order initiated the "missile airmanship" program.
20 February 1986
Two lawsuits seeking to block deployment of
the Peacekeeper ICBM were dismissed in U.S. District Court, Lincoln,
Nebraska.
25 March 1986
The first all-female Minuteman crew stood alert
at the 351st Strategic Missile Wing, Whiteman AFB, Missouri, marking
the first time that an all-female crew had accomplished Minuteman
combat crew duty under the gender-specific crew policy.
25 March 1986
Headquarters SAC issued a Statement of
Operational Need for a small ICBM that would carry a single warhead.
18 April 1986
An Air Force Systems Command Titan 34D space
booster exploded shortly after lift off from Space Launch Complex
Four at Vandenberg AFB, California. The launch complex was closed for
repairs until 15 August.
20 April 1986
Boeing Aerospace Company and McDonnell Douglas
responded to the Air Force's request for proposals for a SRAM II
missile.
May 1986
Testing of a prototype Improved Minuteman Physical
Security System concluded at Minot AFB, North Dakota.
16-22 May 1986
The 341st Strategic Missile Wing, Malmstrom AFB,
Montana, won the Blanchard Trophy at the nineteenth annual SAC
Missile Combat Competition held at Vandenberg AFB, California. The
two remaining Titan II wings (the 308th Strategic Missile Wing,
Little Rock AFB, Arkansas, and the 381st Strategic Missile Wing,
McConnell AFB, Kansas) tied for second place honors in their final
year of competition.
18 July 1986
The Interior Department designated Space Launch
Complex 10 at Vandenberg AFB, California, as a National Historic
Landmark. Originally built in 1958 for ballistic missile launches,
the site was remodeled in 1964 for space satellite launches employing
Thor boosters. The last launch from Complex 10 took place on 14 July
1980.
August 1986
General John T. Chain, Jr., CINCSAC, directed that
"Peacekeeper on Rails" be included in a SAC review of
basing alternatives for the second increment of 50 Peacekeeper
missiles.
8 August 1986
SAC simultaneously inactivated the 532d Strategic
Missile Squadron and 381st Strategic Missile Wing, McConnell AFB,
Kansas. The 381st thus became the second Titan II wing to be
inactivated.
15 August 1986
The 374th Strategic Missile Squadron, Little
Rock AFB, Arkansas, became the fifth of six Titan II missile
squadrons to be inactived.
22 August 1986
Headquarters SAC issued a Statement of
Operational Need for an ICBM Rapid Message Processing and Retargeting
(REACT) capability. This requirement rested on two major
considerations: (1) reduced warning time to the National Command
Authority and reduced reaction time for ICBM crews due to a growing
Soviet threat, and (2) an increasing number of Soviet relocatable
targets.
23 August 1986
By this date, all B-52G aircraft had completed
cruise missile integration.
27 August 1986
Flyover Test 11-7-4 confirmed the ability of the
Airborne Launch Control Center to launch Peacekeeper ICBMs using
equipment originally designed for the Minuteman missile system.
31 August 1986
A Peacekeeper missile launched from Vandenberg
AFB, California, represented the first launch of a completely
operational hardware configured missile and launch facility, and also
the first Peacekeeper launch by a SAC combat crew under the control
of Air Force Systems Command.
23 September 1986
SAC commemorated the 25th anniversary of the
first Titan I operational missile test launch from Vandenberg AFB,
California.
26 September 1986
General John T. Chain, Jr., CINCSAC, joined a
Minuteman crew at Malmstrom AFB, Montana, for a portion of their
alert tour. General Chain's visit to the Minuteman launch control
center represented the first time that a CINCSAC had witnessed ICBM
crew duty since General Bruce K. Holloway observed two Minuteman
crews at Malmstrom on 28-29 December 1971.
7 October 1986
SAC received the last production line
Air-Launched Cruise Missile from the Boeing Military Airplane
Company.
29 October 1986
General Chain selected Rail Garrison as SAC's
preferred basing method for the second installment of Peacekeeper
missiles. Rail Garrison would place Peacekeepers on continuous alert
in railroad cars garrisoned at SAC bases. The Peacekeeper trains
could deploy onto the nation's commercial rail network on short
notice if so ordered.
29 October 1986
The 92d Bombardment Wing won the Dougherty
Trophy for the best SRAM score at the thirtieth annual SAC Bombing
and Navigation Competition.
31 October 1986
Tacit Rainbow, a joint Air Force, Army, and
Navy program under contract to Northrop Corporation, became
unclassified. The program was developing a long-range emitter-attack
weapon to suppress enemy defenses.
5 November 1986
Martin Marietta Corporation technicians began
installing SAC Digital Network (SACDIN) equipment in 91st Strategic
Missile Wing missile launch control centers. SACDIN upgraded the SAC
Automated Command and Control System installed In the 1960s.
19 December 1986
The Office of the Secretary of Defense
announced that President Reagan had selected the Peacekeeper Rail
Garrison concept from a number of rail-mobile basing options.
19 December 1986
President Reagan approved full-scale
engineering development of the Small Intercontinental Ballistic
Missile (SICBM), with a projected initial operational capability of
1992. The Reagan proposal anticipated basing the 37,000 pound single
warhead SICBM on hard mobile launchers at existing Minuteman bases.
22 December 1986
Peacekeeper deployment in existing Minuteman
silos achieved initial operational capability when the tenth missile
at F.E. Warren AFB, Wyoming, was placed on alert.
31 December 1986
By this date, B-52 ALCM deployment had been
completed at five SAC bases: Blytheville AFB, Arkansas; Fairchild
AFB, Washington; Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota; Griffiss AFB, New
York; Wurtsmith AFB, Michigan.
31 December 1986
During 1986, Strategic Air Command deactivated
twelve Titan II missiles, seven at the 381st Strategic Missile Wing,
McConnell AFB, Kansas, and five at the 308th Strategic Missile Wing,
Little Rock AFB, Arkansas. The 308th retained nine Titan IIs at the
end of the year.
31 December 1986
By the end of 1986, 456 Minuteman launch
facilities and 56 launch control facilities had been modified under
cycle one of the Rivet Mile program.
31 December 1986
SAC launched seven Minuteman III operational
test missiles from Vandenberg AFB, California, during the year.
31 December 1986
In 1986, Air Force Systems Command conducted
two developmental and three operational test launches of the
Peacekeeper ICBM at Vandenberg AFB, California.
16 January 1987
A B-1B combined test force from Edwards AFB,
California, launched the very first SRAM from a B-1B bomber over the
Tonopah Test Range in Nevada.
20 February 1987
SAC declared initial operational capability
for the SAC Digital Network when the communications system operated
successfully between the Headquarters SAC Command Center and the 55th
Strategic Reconnaissance Wing Command Post, both located at Offutt
AFB, Nebraska, and the 351st Strategic Missile Wing Command Post at
Whiteman AFB, Missouri.
24 February 1987
The United States and Canada staged a test
launch of an Air-Launched Cruise Missile over Canada's Western
routes. A second joint ALCM test followed on 1 March 1987.
19 March 1987
A new Peacekeeper Missile Procedures Trainer was
dedicated at Vandenberg AFB, California. The $17 million facility
featured a state-of-the-art computer based simulator which would be
used to train and evaluate missile crew members.
17 April 1987
The U.S. Navy's Second and Third Fleets jointly
published a Tactical Memorandum on "Joint Land-Based Air
Anti-Surface Warfare Operations." The memorandum outlined
maritime procedures for SAC's Harpoon carrying B-52s and Navy P-3s
and applied to operations in both the Atlantic and the Pacific
theaters
20 April 1987
The Air Force awarded Boeing Aerospace a contract
to develop the SRAM II missile.
May 1987
A three-judge panel of the U.S. Eighth District Court
of Appeals reversed a February 1986 District Court decision
dismissing a suit which had sought to block Peacekeeper deployment.
Subsequently, the U.S. Justice Department sought a hearing before the
entire ten-judge Eighth District Court of Appeals.
May 1987
A letter from Ogden Air Logistics Center to
Headquarters SAC warned that the Minuteman/ Peacekeeper Weapon System
Controller (WSC) was hampered by a limited number of spares and could
not be logistically supported beyond the mid-1990s. The WSC, the
computer brain that regulated mechanical functions for the ICBM and
Launch Control Center, was considered a vital component of both the
Minuteman and silo-based Peacekeeper systems.
1-9 May 1987
The 321st Strategic Missile Wing from Grand Forks
AFB, North Dakota, won the Blanchard Trophy during the twentieth
annual missile competition at Vandenberg AFB, California. This marked
the first year that Titan II wing did not compete due to the
inactivation of the Titan II weapon system.
5 May 1987
SAC removed the last active Titan II missile from
alert duty at Little Rock AFB, Arkansas. This step ended Titan II's
operational life, although deactivation activities continued at the
Arkansas base.
3 June 1987
A B-1B follow-on test and evaluation crew from
Dyess AFB, Texas, launched the first Short Range Attack Missile from
an operational B-1B bomber.
29 July 1987
Modification of Minuteman II missile Guidance Set
hardware under the Accuracy, Reliability, and Supportability Program
began at Whiteman AFB, Missouri.
16 August 1987
The last three Titan II air frames were shipped
by rail from Little Rock AFB, Arkansas, to Norton AFB, California.
18 August 1987
SAC inactivated the 373d Strategic Missile
Squadron, Little Rock AFB, Arkansas. The 373d was the sixth and final
Titan II missile squadron to be inactivated. SAC also inactivated the
308th Strategic Missile Wing at Little Rock AFB, Arkansas. This
retirement completed the inactivation of all three Titan II wings.
20 August 1987
The Defense Acquisition Board approved
full-scale development of the SRAM II program.
September 1987
Headquarters SAC published a System Operational
Requirement Document for the proposed Peacekeeper Rail Garrison. The
document provided a detailed overview of all pertinent operational
aspects of the Rail Garrison concept.
September 1987
General John T. Chain, Jr., CINCSAC, directed
the Headquarters SAC staff to devise an exercise program to test the
Peacekeeper Rail Garrison concept in a deployed "on the rails"
setting.
1 October 1987
The Missile Crew Education Program replaced the
Minuteman Education Program. The former program had consisted of
exclusive Air Force contracts with specific universities to provide
graduate programs for missile crew members. The Missile Crew
Education Program used a voucher system that allowed missile crew
members to select any accredited Master's program available through
the local base education office.
6 October 1987
SAC manning specialists estimated that 2,606
command personnel, plus 1,400 other USAF personnel, would be needed
to bring Peacekeeper Rail Garrison to full operational capability.
27 October 1987
All-female Minuteman missile crews went on duty
at Malmstrom AFB, Montana. Malmstrom thus became the second SAC base
to incorporate the gender specific crew concept.
November 1987
Tacit Rainbow contractor developmental testing
began.
3-5 November 1987
Fourth Air Division, F.E. Warren AFB,
Wyoming, hosted the first Missile Airmanship Seminar, a forum where
missile crews conveyed perceived problems and made suggestions to
senior commanders. The Missile Airmanship concept sought to further
operational proficiency and pride by streamlining procedures,
increasing communications, and removing irritants whenever possible.
The first seminar produced 32 action items.
8 November 1987
Headquarters SAC issued a Statement of
Operational Need for ICBM Launch Control Center integration.
According to Headquarters SAC planners, a quarter century of specific
"non-integrated" modifications had produced a "layering
of responsibilities, task saturation, confusion and the potential for
error, particularly in a crisis situation."
23 November 1987
The 5th Bombardment Wing, Minot AFB, North
Dakota, won the Dougherty Trophy for compiling the most points in
simulated SRAM launches during the annual SAC Bombing Competition
held at Barksdale AFB, Louisiana.
24 November 1987
A B-1B bomber successfully launched an
Air-Launched Cruise Missile for the first time.
30 November 1987
After reviewing the recommendations of the
first Missile Airmanship Seminar, General John T. Chain, Jr.,
CINCSAC, agreed that SAC should permit gender-inclusive (mixed)
missile crews with the gender-specific option remaining for those who
preferred the existing practice. Ten days later, Headquarters SAC
announced that the new policy would become effective on 1 January
1988.
4 December 1987
The Air Force Uniform Board approved the
concept of a new one piece missile crew uniform.
8 December 1987
President Ronald Reagan and Soviet General
Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev signed the Intermediate Nuclear Forces
(INF) treaty in Washington. The INF pact established procedures for
the gradual elimination of all United States and Soviet ground-based,
medium-range ballistic missiles from Europe.
31 December 1987
By the end of 1987, the SAC Digital Network
had become operational at all launch control centers at Grand Forks
AFB, North Dakota; Malmstrom AFB, Montana; and Whiteman AFB,
Missouri.
31 December 1987
By this date, 781 Minuteman launch facilities
and 90 launch control facilities had been renovated under cycle one
of the Minuteman Integrated Life Extension Program (Rivet Mile).
31 December 1987
As 1987 ended, 18 of 32 Peacekeepers owned by
SAC were on alert. SAC authorities cited reliability and supply
difficulties in explaining the low alert rate. Repeated failures of
the Inertial Measurement Units of the Peacekeeper's Missile Guidance
and Control Set had combined with the contractor's production
problems to keep the Measurement Units in short supply.
31 December 1987
During 1987, SAC launched three Minuteman II
and six Minuteman III operational test missiles from Vandenberg AFB,
California.
31 December 1987
In 1987, Air Force Systems Command conducted
two operational test launches of the Peacekeeper ICBM from Vandenberg
AFB, California.
1 January 1988
SAC replaced its gender-specific policy for
manning missile combat crews with a gender-inclusive (mixed
male-female) crew policy.
14 January 1988
General John T. Chain, Jr., CINCSAC, signed a
memorandum of agreement with Lieutenant General Charles R. Hamm,
Superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), instituting
programs to increase SAC involvement with USAFA faculty and students.
A major goal of SAC's increased presence was to encourage more
Academy graduates to enter the missile operations career field.
20-21 January 1988
Computer Aided Message Processing was
simulated in a launch control center trainer for the first time at
Vandenberg AFB, California.
21 January 1988
Thirty SAC personnel took part in the first
Peacekeeper Rail Garrison exercise, conducted with the Santa Fe
Railroad. The train trip between Chicago and Kansas City helped
orient the SAC participants to train operations.
17 February 1988
Peacekeeper Rail Garrison operating concepts
were refined during a one-day exercise on the Union Pacific Railroad.
The exercise involved taking a train from F.E. Warren AFB, Wyoming,
and practicing maneuvers on rail lines in Wyoming and Colorado.
16 March 1988
Computer Aided Message Processing was simulated
in a launch control center trainer at F.E. Warren AFB, Wyoming.
31 March 1988
The Last Atlas-E ICBM modified for space
operations was returned to the Air Force inventory at Vandenberg AFB,
California.
1 April 1988
Brigadier General (Ret) Allen K. Rachel published
an assessment of the Minuteman Simulated Electronic Launch Program
(SELM). The CINCSAC directed study found the SELM program to be
generally effective, but offered 21 suggestions to improve it.
4 April 1988
Missile maintenance technicians at F.E. Warren
AFB, Wyoming, removed the fiftieth and last Minuteman III from alert,
prior to converting the launch facility for use by a Peacekeeper
ICBM.
8 April 1988
The SAC Digital Network (SACDIN) achieved full
operational capability. SACDIN linked 135 locations and permitted
two-way message communications with ICBM launch control centers for
the first time.
11 April 1988
SAC Chief of Staff Major General Randall D. Peat
established an ICBM Executive Review Group to provide executive level
oversight and guidance to the missile community on operations,
maintenance, communications, and personnel matters.
11 April 1988
The 400th Strategic Missile Squadron, 90th
Strategic Missile Wing, F.E. Warren AFB, Wyoming completed the
phaseout of Minuteman III missiles which had begun on 23 January 1986
in preparation for the deployment of Peacekeeper missiles.
21-28 April 1988
The 91st Strategic Missile Wing from Minot
AFB, North Dakota, won the Blanchard Trophy during Olympic Arena at
Vandenberg AFB, California.
21-28 April 1988
Female Minuteman crew members competed in
Olympic Arena competition for the first time when one mixed-gender
crew from the 341st Strategic Missile Wing, Malmstrom AFB, Montana,
and one all-female crew from the 351st Strategic Missile Wing,
Whiteman AFB, Missouri, participated.
27 April 1988
The ICBM Executive Review Group held its first
meeting. The panel directed a review of the ICBM crew evaluation
program to place greater emphasis on critical warfighting skills.
6 May 1988
Software became operational on three Post Attack
Command and Control aircraft making the common Airborne Launch
Control Center fully capable of launching Peacekeeper and Minuteman
missiles.
20 May 1988
The SRAM II preliminary design review was
completed.
23 May 1988
A six-week test of a proposed missile crew uniform
concluded at SAC's six ICBM wings.
6-10 June 1988
The second Missile Airmanship Seminar held at
Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota, produced 40 action items.
22-23 June 1988
A comprehensive two-day Peacekeeper Rail
Garrison exercise concluded. It operated from Grand Forks AFB, North
Dakota, using the Burlington Northern and Otter Tail Valley Railroads
over rail lines in North Dakota and Minnesota.
27-28 June 1988
The second meeting of the ICBM Executive Review
Group produced a directive to review operations training.
1 August - 10 September 1988
SAC tested Computer Aided Message
Processing at an electronically isolated launch control center at
F.E. Warren AFB, Wyoming. The test represented the first such
experiment in a launch control center setting.
25 August 1988
Headquarters SAC approved a revised Peacekeeper
Rail Garrison Security Concept of Operations, delineating security
personnel, barriers, sensors, response-force plans, and delay and
denial technology.
September 1988
SAC logistics planners tentatively completed
development of a Peacekeeper Rail Garrison System Maintenance
concept.
September 1988
SAC published a Peacekeeper Rail Garrison System
Design Review.
1 September 1988
SAC reassigned the 1st Strategic Aerospace
Division, Vandenberg AFB, California, from command headquarters to
Headquarters Fifteenth Air Force, March AFB, California.
1 September 1988
Cycle one of the Minuteman Integrated Life
Extension (Rivet Mile) was completed and the second phase began. This
joint SAC-Air Force Logistics Command modification effort was the
largest missile logistics renovation ever performed. Rivet Mile's
first cycle lasted for three years and cost $160 million. During that
time, SAC expended 240,000 man-hours inspecting, deposturing, and
reposturing missile facilities.
8 September 1988
The Air Force Uniform Board approved the final
design of the first new missile combat crew member uniform in 20
years. The one-piece, dark blue uniform resembled a flight suit and
was expected to be in wide use by mid-1989.
9 September 1988
Headquarters USAF issued a Program Management
Directive for Rapid Execution and Combat Targeting (REACT) and a
Missile Procedures Trainer replacement. REACT, previously known as
the ICBM Integrated Electronics Upgrade, was SAC's primary effort to
modernize launch control center equipment.
15 September 1988
The Air Force selected Raytheon Missile
Systems, McDonnell Douglas Missile Systems, and E-Systems Melpor
Division as a team to qualify as the prime contractor for full scale
development of the Army's ground-launch version of Tacit Rainbow and
the second source manufacturer of the air-launched version.
3 November 1988
The 96th Bombardment Wing from Dyess AFB,
Texas, became the first B-1B unit to win the Dougherty Trophy,
awarded to the best SRAM unit during the annual bombing competition.
3 November 1988
SAC aircrews completed initial training with
the Advanced Cruise Missile at K.I. Sawyer AFB, Michigan.
December 1988
An Engineering Test Unit arrived at Malmstrom
AFB, Montana, to begin mobility testing of the Small ICBM (using a
Ground Test Missile).
1 December 1988
SAC implemented several new ICBM personnel
practices. Squadron commanders were given responsibility for missile
crew training and proficiency. A simple "qualified/unqualified"
rating system replaced the three-tiered evaluation scale. To improve
communications, the command adopted a formal program to encourage
crew feedback. Finally, a crew recognition program was instituted to
recognize outstanding unit performance.
30 December 1988
Silo-based Peacekeeper ICBMs reached full
operational capability at F.E. Warren AFB, Wyoming.
31 December 1988
By the end of 1988, 58 female crew members
were stationed at four ICBM bases. Of that number, two-thirds had
chosen to serve on a mixed crew while 28 percent preferred the
gender-specific alternative.
31 December 1988
During 1988, SAC carried out five Minuteman
III operational test launches at Vandenberg AFB, California.
|
A & R |
Assemble and Recycle |
|
ABM |
Antiballistic Missile |
|
ACM |
Advanced Cruise Missile |
|
AFB |
Air Force Base |
|
AFLC |
Air Force Logistics Command |
|
AFSN |
Air Force Serial Number |
|
ALC |
Air Logistics Center |
|
ALCM |
Air-Launched Cruise Missile |
|
ALCS |
Airborne Launch Control System |
|
AMC |
Air Materiel Command |
|
ARDC |
Air Research and Development Command |
|
ATC |
Air Training Command |
|
BMC |
Ballistic Missile Committee |
|
BME |
Ballistic Missile Evaluation |
|
BMW |
Bombardment Wing |
|
CEL |
Combat Evaluation Launch |
|
CEP |
Circular Error Probable |
|
CINCSAC |
Commander in Chief Strategic Air Command |
|
D- |
Democrat |
|
DASO |
Demonstration and Shakedown Operation |
|
DDR&E |
Director, Defense Research and Engineering |
|
DSARC |
Defense System Acquisition Review Council |
|
ERCS |
Emergency Rocket Communication System |
|
EWO |
Emergency War Order |
|
FOC |
Full Operational Capability |
|
FOT |
Follow-on Operational Test |
|
GOR |
General Operational Requirement |
|
ICBM |
Intercontinental Ballistic Missile |
|
ICM |
Intercontinental Missile |
|
INF |
Intermediate Nuclear Forces |
|
IOC |
Initial Operational Capability |
|
IRBM |
Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile |
|
JPL |
Jet Propulsion Laboratory |
|
LCC |
Launch Control Center |
|
LOC |
Limited Operational Capability |
|
MAP |
Multiple Aim Point |
|
MIRV |
Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle |
|
MOM |
Modified Operational Missile |
|
MRASM |
Medium-Range Air-to-Surface Missile |
|
M-X |
Missile-X (Peacekeeper) |
|
NATIV |
Navaho Research Test |
|
NME |
National Military Establishment |
|
NSC |
National Security Council |
|
OAS |
Offensive Avionics System |
|
OBLSS |
Operational Base Launch Safety System |
|
OR I |
Operational Readiness Inspection |
|
ORT |
Operational Readiness Test |
|
OSD |
Office of the Secretary of Defense |
|
OSTF |
Operational System Test Facility |
|
OT |
Operational Test |
|
OT&E |
Operational Test and Evaluation |
|
OTEP |
Operational Test and Evaluation Plan |
|
QOR |
Qualitative Operational Requirement |
|
R- |
Republican |
|
R & D |
Research and Development |
|
RAF |
Royal Air Force |
|
REACT |
Rapid Execution and Combat Targeting |
|
RET |
Retired |
|
RFP |
Request for Proposal |
|
ROC |
Required Operational Capability |
|
SAC |
Strategic Air Command |
|
SACDIN |
Strategic Air Command Digital Network |
|
SAL |
Strategic Arms Limitation |
|
SAMSO |
Space and Missile Systems Organization |
|
SATAF |
Site Activation Task Force |
|
SCAD |
Subsonic Cruise Armed Decoy |
|
SELM |
Simulated Electronic Launch-Minuteman |
|
SICBM |
Small Intercontinental Ballistic Missile |
|
SLBM |
Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile |
|
SMS |
Strategic Missile Squadron |
|
SMW |
Strategic Missile Wing |
|
SON |
Statement of Need |
|
SOR |
Specific Operational Requirement |
|
SOT |
Specific Operational Test |
|
SRAM |
Short Range Attack Missile |
|
USAF |
United States Air Force |
|
USAFA |
United States Air Force Academy |
|
WSC |
Weapon System Controller |
Ablative materiel:
the special protective coating on the nose cone of a missile reentry vehicle which prevents it from burning up during reentry into the atmosphere.
Activate:
to put into existence by official order a unit, post, camp, station, base, or shore activity which has previously been constituted and designated by name or number, or both, so that it can be organized to function in its assigned capacity.
Aerodynamic missile:
a missile which uses aerodynamic forces to maintain its flight path, generally employing propulsion guidance.
Air-launched cruise missile:
a guided missile, the major portion of whose flight path to its target is conducted at approximately constant velocity, and which depends on the dynamic reaction of air for lift and upon propulsion forces to balance drag.
Air-to-surface missile:
a missile launched from an airborne carrier to impact on a surface target.
Alert:
readiness for action, defense, or protection.
Ballistic missile:
any missile which does not rely upon aerodynamic surfaces to produce lift and, consequently, follows a ballistic trajectory when thrust is terminated.
Circular error probable:
a circle within which will fall at least one-half of the weapons targeted for the center of that circle.
Flight test:
a test of an aircraft, rocket, missile, or other vehicle by actual flight or launchings. Flight tests are planned to achieve specific test objectives and gain operation information.
Guided missile:
an unmanned vehicle moving above the surface of the earth whose trajectory of flight path is capable of being altered by an external or internal mechanism.
Inactivate:
to withdraw personnel from a constituted unit, remove its designation from the active list, and place it on the inactive list.
Intercontinental ballistic missile:
a ballistic missile with a range capability from about 3)000 to 8,000 nautical miles.
Intermediate-range ballistic missile:
a ballistic missile with a range capability from about 1,500 to 3,000 nautical miles.
Launcher:
a structural device designed to support and hold a missile in position for firing.
Liquid propellant:
any liquid combustible fed to the combustion chamber of a rocket engine.
Missile:
any object thrown, dropped, projected, or propelled, or designed to be thrown, dropped, projected, or propelled for the purpose of making it strike a target.
Operational:
capable of performing the missions or functions for which organized or designed.
Pilotless aircraft:
an aircraft, especially an airplane, designed or adapted to control by a present, self-reacting, or radio-controlled unit without benefit of a human pilot.
Prototype:
the first complete and working member of a model or model series, weapon system, or piece of equipment, Intended to serve as the pattern or guide for subsequently produced member of the same model or model series, weapon system, or pieces of equipment.
Research test vehicle:
a vehicle used to collect scientific data for a research effort.
Rocket:
a missile or pyrotechnic device that derives its thrust from the ejection of a stream of hot gases and which, carrying its own oxidizer, is independent of the atmosphere in its operation. Rocket may be either of the liquid or solid propellant types.
Solid propellant:
a solid compound of fuel and oxidizer used in rockets.
Surface-to-air missile:
a surface launched missile designed to intercept an inflight target.
Surface-to-surface missile:
a surface launched missile designed to operate against a target on the surface of the earth.
ATLAS BASES
TITAN
BASES
MINUTEMAN
BASES
PEACEKEEPER
BASES
SAC ICBM FORCE
- 1988
