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An Atlas ICBM is raised into the firing position
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An Atlas ICBM is raised into the firing position
An Atlas ICBM is raised into the firing position by an erector-launcher mechanism at the Convair plant at San Diego, California. June 1959. Date: 1959
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Media ID 9890839
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1959 Atlas California Convair Diego Firing Icbm Launcher Mechanism Position Raised Erector
EDITORS COMMENTS
In this historic photograph taken in June 1959, an Atlas Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) is raised into the firing position at the Convair plant in San Diego, California. The Atlas ICBM was a major milestone in the development of nuclear weapons capability for the United States during the Cold War era. The Atlas missile, with a length of over 85 feet and a weight of more than 100 tons, was a formidable weapon. It was designed to deliver nuclear warheads to targets thousands of miles away. In this image, the missile is being prepared for transport to a military base where it would be installed in a silo and made ready for launch. The process of raising the missile into the firing position was accomplished by an intricate and powerful erector-launcher mechanism. The mechanism, which is visible in the photograph, consisted of a series of hydraulic cylinders and gears that worked together to lift the missile vertically. Once the missile was in the upright position, it could be secured to the launch vehicle for transport. The Convair plant in San Diego was a hub of activity during the 1950s and 1960s as the company played a key role in the development and production of military aircraft and missiles. This photograph offers a glimpse into the cutting-edge technology and engineering expertise that went into creating the Atlas ICBM and ensuring its readiness for military service. The successful testing and deployment of the Atlas ICBM marked a significant moment in the history of nuclear weapons development and the Cold War arms race between the United States and the Soviet Union. This photograph captures the essence of that moment, with the Atlas missile poised and ready for action.
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