![]() A Fairchild site experienced a fueling accident during a launch test. Also, the liquid fuel volatility made the fueling procedure very dangerous. For the Atlas the fueling was done with the missile on the surface, which exposed it and made it vulnerable. This required 15-minutes for the Titan I, delaying reaction time. It required that the missile be stored empty and fueled for flight. The liquid fuel, a mixture of liquid oxygen and kerosene, which propelled both the Atlas E and Titan missiles, was a major problem. It was a liquid-fueled missile that delivered a nuclear warhead more than 100 times more powerful than the atomic bomb dropped at Nagasaki in 1945. A self-contained, automatic inertial guidance system was accurate to within one-and-one-half miles. The 82-foot-tall missile had a speed reaching nearly 16,000 miles per hour. The Atlas E was the first intercontinental ballistic missile developed and then deployed in the United States. The Titan was developed in case the Atlas encountered developmental problems and it also created competition between the programs. Both the Atlas and the Titan I missiles had been rushed into development in 1959. The Titan I, named for its power (in Greek mythology Titan was the father of Zeus), was placed at three bases in the vicinity of Larson Air Force Base at Moses Lake. The Atlas E, named for the Atlas of Greek mythology, was placed at nine sites around Fairchild Air Force Base, located near Spokane. Two types of Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles were installed in Washington state. Available for the missile sites were large open areas in the vicinity of existing air force bases. This basing was close to the Soviet Union while also being inland of the more vulnerable coast. The intercontinental ballistic missiles were located in the central and eastern areas of the state. Military basing included radars, fighter-interceptors, long-range bombers, submarines, Nike missiles, and intercontinental ballistic missiles. All but one of the missile complexes were sold to private individuals and today they remain in private ownership.ĭuring the Cold War, Washington state became an important military defensive and deterrence location. By 1965 these missiles were outmoded and the bases closed. The Atlas E and Titan I missiles were installed, and during 1961-1962, the ICBM bases became operational. The intercontinental ballistic missiles served as a warning to the Soviet Union that any attack on the United States would bring about its destruction. Eighteen intercontinental ballistic missiles installed near Moses Lake and Spokane were a significant deterrence element. Animals, except for Service Animals, are not allowed in the museum buildings or on the missile site.During the Cold War Washington state served an important role in defending the United States and in deterring attacks.To arrange a commercial photo or video recording session, please contact the foundation’s Advertising Manager at The use of selfie sticks and tripods is prohibited throughout the museum and missile site. Commercial photography is not allowed without written permission. Non-commercial photography and video recording are permitted, although flash photography is prohibited.Please wear walking shoes (no heels or flip flops).A smoking area is provided outside the museum. Smoking is not permitted inside museum buildings or while on the tour.Glass bottles and water with additives that include any food coloring are prohibited in the museum building and on the tour. Food and beverages, except bottled water, are prohibited on the tours.The museum does not provide storage for these items. Strollers, backpacks and other large bags/purses are prohibited and must be left in your vehicle. ![]() ![]() Online reservations strongly recommended to ensure your preferred tour time. Tours are limited to 26 visitors per tour.Guests unable to descend and ascend 55 stair steps or who cannot stand for 45 minutes will be limited to the surface portion of the site and will not have access to the underground area. Visitors must be able to descend and climb 55 metal grate stair steps and stand for 45 minutes to access the underground portion of the tour.For your safety, and for preservation purposes, there are some rules that visitors must follow. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |