1974 MINUTEMAN ICBM AIR LAUNCHED BALLISTIC MISSILE TEST PROGRAM 45154

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This film "Air Mobile Feasibility Demonstration" chronicles the development of an Air Launched Ballistic Missile system. The ALBM concept was viewed as a potential game changer for strategic deterrence, allowing missiles to be deployed to remote locations at a moments' notice. As shown in the film, starting in the early 1970s, the USAF tested air-launching a Minuteman 1b ICBM from a C-5A Galaxy transport aircraft. (Note: the test proved the feasibility of launching an intercontinental ballistic missile from the air. In the end however, operational deployment of ALBM was discarded due to engineering and security difficulties, though the capability was used as a negotiating point in the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks.)

The film documents the successful development and testing of an air-launchable Minuteman ICBM, demonstrating the ability to safely drop and fire an intercontinental ballistic missile from a Lockheed C-5A aircraft. Over several months in 1974, a dedicated Air Force and industry task force conducted a series of progressively heavier dummy payload drops to refine the rigging, parachute extraction systems, and aircraft compatibility. After overcoming challenges such as platform flexing and parachute failures, the team perfected a reliable extraction system using clustered parachutes. This paved the way for multiple inert missile drops and, ultimately, a live missile test where the first stage ignited successfully after clean separation from the aircraft. The project marked a significant milestone in missile technology and air-mobile strategic deterrence, achieved ahead of schedule through meticulous planning and cooperation.

0:00 — Introduction to the Minuteman ICBM as a powerful force in America’s defense and the necessity to demonstrate launching an ICBM from an aircraft in midair.

1:11 — A multi-command Air Force and industry task force of experts was assembled to manage the complex project involving missile and aircraft systems integration.

1:51 — Two unmodified Lockheed C-5A Galaxies were used with standard aerial delivery system kits to conduct the demonstration under SAMSO and contractor management.

3:10 — Initial test drops of dummy loads began at the National Parachute Test Range, gradually increasing weight from 45,000 lbs to 55,000 lbs to evaluate extraction and aircraft response.

4:04 — Platform flexing issues were observed during heavier drops, breaking previous load records but causing challenges with load rigidity and parachute deployment.

4:19 — At 65,700 lbs, the platform’s parachutes failed under excessive load, causing the load to free fall and disintegrate, though extraction was deemed a success.

5:19 — Structural improvements were made by welding tubs together and switching to more robust extraction and stabilization parachutes, eliminating recovery parachutes for vertical hanging.

6:08 — An 87,000 lb load, heavier than the ICBM, was successfully rigged, but the extraction parachute failed during release, resulting in tumbling and midair disintegration.

7:30 — To improve reliability, a cluster of two 32,000 lb extraction parachutes on new nylon ropes was tested and successfully implemented for the final 86,000 lb dummy load drop.

8:28 — The final dummy load airdrop was successful, with smooth extraction and stabilization parachutes deploying correctly, clearing the way for live missile drops.

9:18 — The first missile drop involved an inert “iron bird” missile with telemetry, focusing on missile characteristics, separation timing, vibration, and electromagnetic interference testing.

10:28 — Clean separation of the missile from the cradle was achieved via explosive nuts, with minor rolling oscillation corrected in subsequent drops.

11:18 — Preparation for the live missile drop included a partially fueled first stage motor for a short full-thrust burn, with inert upper stages and timing set for stable separation and ignition.

12:09 — On October 24th, the live missile drop demonstrated the feasibility of the air-mobile ICBM concept, with smooth extraction, clean separation, and successful ignition of the first stage motor.

13:44 — The missile’s flight was stable and controlled, completing a successful demonstration of the air-launch ICBM capability.

13:52 — The entire program was a significant collaborative achievement, meeting all objectives ahead of schedule and marking a milestone in aerospace history under SAMSO leadership.

This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD and 2k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com