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>The MGS is an inertial guidance system which directs the flight of the missile. The guidance system operates continuously while the missile is in alert status,
by jcims 3y ago
>The MGS is an inertial guidance system which directs the flight of the missile. The guidance system operates continuously while the missile is in alert status, thus enabling the missile to be launched in less than one minute.
I wonder how often the missile is in alert status? Presumably regular testing?
For those just skimming the guidance system info (for Minuteman III) starts on page 49. Looks like they miniaturized it some and that giant moon lander backplane seems to be substantially reduced?
Amazing pics, thanks for sharing!
- teeray 3y agoApart from regular testing, I would imagine anything at or above DEFCON 3 would put missiles in alert status. That level requires the USAF to be ready to go in 15 minutes.
- chasd00 3y agoDuring the Cuban missile crisis SAC went to defcon 2 while the rest of the armed forces stopped at defcon 3. The wiki page is an amazing read. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuban_Missile_Crisis https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuban_Missile_Crisis
- jdubner 3y ago> I wonder how often the missile is in alert status? In 1972-74 when I was a Minuteman I launch officer (DMCCC) our 10 missiles were /always/ on alert. You would expect to see 10 green "Strategic Alert" lights across the crew commander's (MCCC's) console unless something was wrong (requiring maintenance or a brief calibration). IIRC we were in a perpetual state of DEFCON 4 in those days.
- ricksunny 3y agoInteresting - As a Minuteman launch officer, I'd be curious what are your thoughts on the incursion accounts of launch officers Robert Salas & David Schindele? (I understand there were comparable reports going into the 1970s as well but I'm not as familiar with those) Salas @ Malmstrom https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ex-air-force-personnel-ufos-deactivated-nukes/ https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ex-air-force-personnel-ufos-dea... Schindele @ Minot: https://www.minotdailynews.com/news/local-news/2023/06/former-missile-officer-ufo-whistleblower-demonstrates-tremendous-courage/ https://www.minotdailynews.com/news/local-news/2023/06/forme...
- trollerator23 3y agoI was gonna say, they were always on alert. It's in the book. The inertial platforms at least were always spinning because it took a long time (minutes) to spin them up, or down.
- dumah 3y agoRegular testing is one of the few times a US ICBM would _not_ be in alert status. Ground-based launchers are not survivable and must be ready to fire promptly after attack warning.
- detourdog 3y agoWhat do you mean aground based launch isn’t survivable?