SM-65 Atlas ICBM

The SM-65 Atlas was a missile built by the Convair Division of General Dynamics. Originally designed as an ICBM in the late 1950s, Atlas was the foundation for a family of successful space launch vehicles now built by United Launch Alliance. The Atlas rocket family is today used as a launch platform for commercial and military satellites, and other space vehicles.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• SM-65
• Atlas
• ICBM
• missile
• Convair
• Division
• General
• Dynamics
• space
• launch
• vehicle
• missiles
• USAF

[artwleb]

@altfactor There was also the C series (6 flown as R&D) and the later E & F with all inertial guidance.

[artwleb]

@datzfast The operational Atlas F in silos were always loaded with the fuel (RP-1) while on alert. Look at an Atlas-Centaur - a lot of weight sitting on the Atlas first stage. Those tanks were extremely strongly under pressure.

[datzfast]

everything on this bird was light weight. think of a pop can. even the fuel was stored outside prior to launch to prevent spontaneous rupture of the thin walled tanks. solid fuel rockets were the way to go.

[tjnesryan]

1st and 2nd failed...

but 3rd one was a sucess

3rd one was the charm!

[ChrisCarney123]

This is Fucking awesome

[StiviGun1]

What a cool period the '50s was for the US. It was the period in which the US probably had the biggest weapons development. They really were in far ahead of the Russians. Then something, inexplicable happened. It was probably the trauma that the missile crisis inflicted 2 the American people, but also the Vietnam war, which seriously degraded the American's people trust in their government. Too bad, this allowed the Russians 2 get the military advantage.

[datzfast]

the men in the back wearing all white uniforms, they were only worn at a launch site.

[altfactor]

I believe the early Atlas family was:

Atlas A-experimental model, booster engines only.

Atlas B-experimental model, all three engines

Atlas D-operational model, all three engines.

There have been others since.