Improved Launch Control System
The Improved Launch Control System was a system used by the United States Air Force's Minuteman II intercontinental ballistic missile force. The system was a method to transfer targeting information from a Minuteman launch control center to an individual missile by communications lines. Prior to the Improved Launch Control System, new missile guidance had to be loaded at the launch facility; the process usually took hours.
The Improved Launch Control System was a system used by the United States Air Force's Minuteman II intercontinental ballistic missile force. The system was a method to transfer targeting information from a Minuteman launch control center to an individual missile by communications lines. Prior to the Improved Launch Control System, new missile guidance had to be loaded at the launch facility; the process usually took hours.
History
[edit]The Improved Launch Control System was operational at most Minuteman II wings (except the 44th Missile Wing, which was never upgraded) by the late 1970s. Minuteman III wings had a similar install, designated Command Data Buffer, providing the newer system the potential for remote retargeting. [1]
Phaseout
[edit]The system was phased out in mid-1990s by the retirement of the Minuteman II force, and the inactivation or reapportioning of units to Minuteman III.[2] It was replaced by the Rapid Execution and Combat Targeting System.
Chronology
[edit]- 1979
See also
[edit]- LGM-30 Minuteman
- Launch control center (ICBM)
- Command Data Buffer - Minuteman III upgrade similar to the Improved Launch Control System
References
[edit]- ^ Department of the Air Force: "Strategic Air Command Weapon Systems Acquisition 1964-1979", 28 April 1980
- ^ FAS.org: Rapid Execution and Combat Targeting
- ^ Globalsecurity.org: "490th Missile Squadron"
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