Minuteman II panel on DMCCC side

[Weapons Loader]

Within the confines of OPSEC, INFOSEC, and all the other -SECs, could someone explain the gadgetry on this panel to me?

[SAC Killer]

Ahh, what memories that brings. This panel was used in the A/M version to program war plans and targets into the birds. The system could take any of 100 Preparatory Launch Command - A (PLC-A) war plans, numbered 00 - 99. PLC-A sent the same war plan to all 50 missiles. Each missile would then pick one of 8 pre-loaded targets and launch delay times based on the command.

Or, the MCCM could command a PLC-B to a single missile. With PLC-B, the MCCM would use the thumbwheels to select the target and timing.

The target info was loaded into the missile by a Combat Targeting Team, part of the maintenance org, by entering the LF and programming the bird from there. When A/M went to the CDB configuration the CTTs disappeared.

Other commands on the panel, TVI, print, etc., were either tests or status interrogations.

When I was on crew we never used the MRT-CEP switch and I can't remember what it did.

[3901smes]

MRT = Minimum Reaction Time
CEP = Circular Error Probability

If MRT is selected along with a PLC target change the missile guidance set stable platform goes through a quick realignment to its new target azimuth from the old one. This option is used for launch as soon as possible reaction, within minutes. The targeting accuracy is not as accurate as CEP.

CEP option does the same thing but the guidance set stable platform goes through a complete realignment which took a couple of hours and is much more accurate.

[Tim]

Looking at this photo of the old Launch Verification Panel brings back alot of memories. You get this "need" to crank out a MOSI or TVI (followed by the obligatory target verification). Can't look too long at the photo.....my left hand starts to twitch!

Tim, 490th SMS

[SAC Killer]

BTW, the panel below has the printer. Which looks funny to me. The DSAP printer looked quite different. I guess somewhere along the line SAC upgraded it.

[Tim]

I can state for sure that the printer shown was not used in early 1980s ILCS. Okay, what's up with that?

Tim 490th SMS, 1981-1985

[hockey85]

Maybe it's because Ellsworth was SSAS or maybe it was an upgrade in the late 80's/early 90's? Not sure.

Cory

[MJohnson]

I think late 90's @ FEW. I remember new keyboard printers at the same time. PK got them too.

[Rico2000]

The printer (Signal Data Recorder) in the photo was the final one at Ellsworth. A vast improvement over the previous version as it was much easier to reload the paper without a jam. On the other hand, it took away most ability to know what the print was without looking at it because the sound generated by the printer was generic for the majority of prints.