SM-65 Atlas

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

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

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

SM-65B Atlas

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

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

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

SM-65C Atlas

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

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

SM-65D Atlas

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

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

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

SM-65E Atlas

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

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

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

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

SM-65F Atlas

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

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

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

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

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

Operational deployment

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

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

Service history

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

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

Atlas-D deployment

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

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

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

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

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

Atlas-E deployment

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

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

Atlas-F deployment

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

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

Retirement as an ICBM

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

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

Atlas-A to -C launch history

SM-65A (Atlas A) variant launch history

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

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

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

SM-65B (Atlas B) variant launch history

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

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

SM-65C (Atlas C) variant launch history

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

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

Survivors

Former survivor:

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

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

Related lists

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References

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

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  32. ↑ John T. Correll (1 July 2005). "How the Air Force Got the ICBM". Air and Space Forces Magazine. Retrieved 11 March 2023.
  33. 1 2 3 "Missile Defense Project, "SM-65 Atlas". Missile Threat, Center for Strategic and International Studies. 2 August 2021. Retrieved 11 March 2023.
  34. 1 2 3 John C. Lonnquest; David F. Winkler (November 1996). To Defend and Deter: The Legacy of the United States Cold War Missile Program (PDF). dtic.mil (Report). Department of Defense Legacy Resource Management Program Cold War Project. Archived (PDF) from the original on 20 October 2020. Retrieved 12 March 2023.
  35. 1 2 "Atlas D Locations". siloworld.net. Archived from the original on 13 July 2022.
  36. ↑ "Atlas E Locations". siloworld.net. Archived from the original on 14 July 2022.
  37. ↑ "Atlas F Locations". siloworld.net. Archived from the original on 12 November 2020.
  38. ↑ Reggie Manning (5 March 2012). "Air Force history of ICBM development, safeguarding America". U.S. Air Force. Retrieved 11 March 2023.
  39. ↑ Parsch, Andreas. "Directory of U.S. Military Rockets and Missiles - Convair B-65/SM-65/CGM-16/HGM-16 Atlas". Archived from the original on 3 October 2002.
  40. ↑ "Atlas A". astronautix.com. Retrieved 13 March 2023.
  41. ↑ "Atlas B". astronautix.com. Retrieved 13 March 2023.
  42. ↑ "Atlas C". astronautix.com. Retrieved 13 March 2023.
  43. ↑ Ty Greenlees (12 June 2020). "7 artifacts you can't see at the Air Force Museum: A peek inside the storage building". Dayton Daily News. Retrieved 12 March 2023.
  44. ↑ "United States Air Force Museum". Air Force Museum. 1987. p. 118. Retrieved 12 March 2023.
  45. ↑ "Topic Atlas Displays". nasaspaceflight.com. Retrieved 10 March 2023.
  46. ↑ "Air and Space Annex, Gillespie Field". Rediscovering San Diego. Retrieved 12 March 2023.
  47. ↑ "Convair Atlas 2D - NASA". airliners.net. Retrieved 12 March 2023.
  48. ↑ "Historic Spacecraft Atlas Rockets Overview#Atlas-F ICBM". historicspacecraft.com. Retrieved 11 March 2023.
  49. ↑ "Atlas Rocket at Science and Technology Museum dismantled". ctvnews.ca. 25 February 2015. Archived from the original on 10 August 2015. Retrieved 2 May 2018.

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