U.S. MISSILES FOR BRITAIN

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28523, 28 February 1958, Page 9

U.S. MISSILES FOR BRITAIN

Firing Within 15 Minutes

(Rec. 8 p.m.) WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 The United States Air Force said yesterday that the 60 missile launchers earmarked for Britain would be able to fire Thor ballistic missiles with nuclear warheads within 15 minutes of the order being given. In emergencies, the big rockets could be kept on a two-minute alert. It also was revealed that United States Air Force men could operate the first Thor squadron sent to England until the British Royal Air Force had a trained unit ready to take over. The new details were revealed at an Air Force Association jetage conference, where a model Thor installation was • displayed. These details were furnished chiefly by Colonel Harry Zink, Strategic Air Command officer, who is forming the air force’s first Thor missile unit, and Colonel William Erlenbusch, who is forming the first Jupiter squadron. Colonel said that the Thor missile was designed to be fired within 15 minutes after the order was issued. Colonel Erlenbusch said that the Jupiter, developed by the Army, would take somewhat longer. The Thor, fuelled and ready to have its rocket motor started, could be held ready for launching for 45 to 75 minutes. Then its control system would have become inaccurate, said Colonel Zink.