4 ms·

Is that describing the best spot for the interceptor itself, or the radar guiding the interceptor? (Not necessarily at the same site, and I can imaging reasons

• ghaff 5y ago
  It probably depended on the geography. I know in the case of the site in Golden Gate Recreational Area, the (Nike not Sprint) interceptor site is/was near the fort there. The control and radar systems (which have been at least partly brought down) were originally on a hill overlooking the site. I don't know if the control/radar system also controlled other interceptor sites or not.
• sandworm101 5y ago
  In the days before perfect network connectivity? Both. There are also time delay issues. You want the sensor (radar) the 'computer' and the launch site all close together so they can coordinate the intercept without communication delays, without long radio links that are likely useless during nuclear war. Sprint was meant for raw speed. It famously accelerated at like 100g. The shortest intercept is one that is launched perpendicular to the incoming warhead. The interceptor goes out vertical as the enemy warhead is coming in more horizontal on its way to the city 400km down the road from the interceptor base.