Authorizing the launch of nuclear weapons!

[oogabooga]

I worked in Minuteman LFs (silos) and LCFs (launch control facilities) for 4 years. It was all classified of course so we werent allowed to take any pics or even talk about the shape of the warheads. Then we saw pics like that one plastered all over news mags.

Ruby, Id be glad to answer any legitimate questions you might have that I can. Got to hit the gym first. Be back in a few hours.

"I'm going to go work on my guns, then we can drop bombs"

 

[Modelworks]

Most of the keys are gone now, they switched to bio type identification systems. The new vein in hand scanners.

 

[69Mach1]

When she has perfected the design for the home built backyard ICBM, I would be interested. There are several neighborhood pests I would like to control, if you know what I mean.

 

[jemcam]

I used to be in a nuclear capable artillery battalion. No keys there, but there was a safe containing the encryption codes and a combination lock on the fuze hole of the nuke round that was a motherfucker to open up, even when you were well trained.

 

[sdifox]

lol where can I get one?

 

[amdhunter]

I hold the key to a nuclear weapon every time I pee. :awe:

 

[Crono]

lol where can I get one?

http://www.thinkgeek.com/computing/accessories/9116/

 

[Squisher]

We're not going to replace the the whole "Naughty French Maid" with the "Lusty Launch Commander" are we?

 

[sandorski]

 

[sdifox]

We're not going to replace the the whole "Naughty French Maid" with the "Lusty Launch Commander" are we?

I am pretty sure that came up a long time ago. We have been living with nuke for a long time and the fetish industry is always in the pioneering role

 

[sdifox]

http://www.thinkgeek.com/computing/accessories/9116/

err, maybe I should just build one. 50 bux????

 

[Rubycon]

Nothing like that! Just curious of the mechanisms and how they work.

Who are you nuking, Ruby?

Easily defeated with a $0.05 stick of gum too!

Most of the keys are gone now, they switched to bio type identification systems. The new vein in hand scanners.

I worked in Minuteman LFs (silos) and LCFs (launch control facilities) for 4 years. It was all classified of course so we werent allowed to take any pics or even talk about the shape of the warheads. Then we saw pics like that one plastered all over news mags.

Ruby, Id be glad to answer any legitimate questions you might have that I can. Got to hit the gym first. Be back in a few hours.

Yes particularly interested in those sites. Anyone remember the last part of "The Day After"? Where the missile was coming out of the silo next to the house in Kansas?
When the key is inserted is it smooth or grainy feeling? What about when it's turned what kind of noise does it make? Curious about the switch mechanism itself as it would not be your standard switch.

 

[sandorski]

That's a bad ass looking Key!

 

[irishScott]

Just watched the Sum of all Fears. Fun movie.

/neff

 

[Rubycon]

What about the inside of the silo itself? Is there any refractory material or is it "spent" after a launch?

 

[l0cke]

I think this is the perfect place for you to live.

http://www.missilebases.com/denver

 

[KDOG]

I think this is the perfect place for you to live.

http://www.missilebases.com/denver

Wow. I've seen people that have converted silos into homes. $2.8mil though. Ouch.

 

[Rubycon]

I think this is the perfect place for you to live.

http://www.missilebases.com/denver

Ugh no thanks!

A tour of one OTOH would not be bad.

 

[guyver01]

A tour of one OTOH would not be bad.

i know where that is... it can be arranged.

 

[Rubycon]

i know where that is... it can be arranged.

Until a working transporter is available I don't think that will be happening.

 

[thebestMAX]

What about the inside of the silo itself? Is there any refractory material or is it "spent" after a launch?

The inside of the Minuteman silo was all steel. It was never meant to be used and reloaded after all. They did do some test launches with partialy fueled missiles tethered with cables and then brought the lf back on line but it took many weeks. Basically everything is fried (electonics, suspension system, cables ect) and has to be replaced except the concrete/steel shell.

They do/did a lot of test firings at Vandenburg AFB in Ca. but I dont know if those silos are exactly the same as the ones in the field.

When the key is inserted is it smooth or grainy feeling? What about when it's turned what kind of noise does it make? Curious about the switch mechanism itself as it would not be your standard switch.

As I recall it was more of the feeling of turning a rheostat (think volume control). Moved about 90 degrees from vertical smoothly with no sound. Stayed in the launch position pointing to the right (not spring loaded). I could be remembering this wrong, I went through classes in the 60s.

My Missile Badge

 

[Rubycon]

Rheostat? Awesome! Now I can add that to the list of things when turning up the house lights!

When they are fired does the plume exit through surrounding vents?

The inside of the Minuteman silo was all steel. It was never meant to be used and reloaded after all. They did do some test launches with partialy fueled missiles tethered with cables and then brought the lf back on line but it took many weeks. Basically everything is fried (electonics, suspension system, cables ect) and has to be replaced except the concrete/steel shell.

They do/did a lot of test firings at Vandenburg AFB in Ca. but I dont know if those silos are exactly the same as the ones in the field.



As I recall it was more of the feeling of turning a rheostat (think volume control). Moved about 90 degrees from vertical smoothly with no sound. Stayed in the launch position pointing to the right (not spring loaded). I could be remembering this wrong, I went through classes in the 60s.

 

[thebestMAX]

No, no vents. MM is a solid fuel rocket, gone so quick it doesnt need vents. Doesnt sit there like when you see the shuttle launches.

Always can recognize a minuteman launch. A smoke ring with the exhaust trail going right through the center of it.

 

[thebestMAX]

A launch control console. 10 sets of light to monitor each of 10 missiles. Not very glamorous, huh?

Middle right you can see where one of the keys would be inserted. Switch faces are the triangular shapes.
Note the dial up phones , heh.

 

[ViviTheMage]

These big, red, bad boys?