QUIZ: The Minuteman I was initially designed to be launched from underground silos as well as what other platform?
A. Mobile Railroad System
B. B-52s
C. Aboveground Hardened Facilities
D. Satellites
A GLIMPSE BACK:
JUNE 1-7, 1962
On July 20, 1962, Ogden AMA shipped the first production model of the Minuteman I missile to Malmstrom AFB, Mont. The missile was transported by a specially designed railcar.
ANSWER
C. Mobile Railway System
In October 1959, Strategic Air Command announced that a highly mobile basing system using the nation's railroad network was under development. This scheme would make the missiles invulnerable to enemy ICBM attack since they would be constantly moved around the nation on special railroad cars, preventing precise targeting.
Ogden Air Material Area tested this concept in June 1960 (Project Big Star), finding it to be a feasible platform, but the project was cancelled in 1961 because the Defense Department opted for the cheaper alternative -- silos.
