Missiles To Be Launched From Underground "Silos"

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29378, 3 December 1960, Page 10

Missiles To Be Launched From Underground "Silos"

(From a Reuter Correspondent) CAPE CANAVERAL. The time is approaching when the United States will have squadrons of Titan inter-continental missiles hidden deep in invulnerable underground “silos” ready to fire at a minute’s notice. The first launching of the operational Titan wegpon direct from a silo is expected to take place before mid-December. The first squadron of Titans is scheduled to become operational by 1961.

The 160 ft-deep steel and concrete silos protect the Titan from nuclear attack and are invulnerable in a nuclear attack to anything but a direct hit. The underground base consists of many parts—the silos and controls, as well as living quarters for the crews. Construction of the first operational site for the two Titan squadrons at Lowry Air Force Base at Denver, Colorado, is well forward. Two squadrons will be stationed there, each squadron with 10 missiles. Twelve more squadrons have been announced at other bases. The first squadron to be established will be those composed of Titan I missiles which can be prepared for firing in less than 15 minutes. Titan II missiles, which will probably be ready for use by the end of 1962, will be able to be fired at one-minute notice. Titan H, the advanced 1.C.8.M. (Inter-continental Ballistic Missile) will have many advantages. A self-controlled inertial guidance system will completely eliminate the possibility of enemy radio jamming and will permit firing in

salvo fashion from dispersed launching sites. It will contain fuels which can be stored and which need no Ignition. The push of a button will mix the fuels and start the missile on its way as easily as pushing the starter button a car. So far, at least, 25 Titans have been launched from Cape Canaveral since the flight testing programme began early in 1959. Officials say that 18 have been good shots, making a 72 per cent, success record. In its current form, the Titan is capable of going 12,500 miles, or half-way round the world, according to officials of the Martin Company, which makes the missile. The longest flight until now has been 6100 miles down the Atlantic Missile Range. The operational Titan will be controlled by Strategic Air Command crews. It is a large twostage missile, 98 feet tall and weighing 110 tons when fuelled. The Titan II version will be larger. Meanwhile, the launching stands for the Titan at Cape Canaveral are being modified ready for the next series of Titans.