 Launch of Atlas 10A from LC-12 at CCAS | |
| Function | Prototype ICBM |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Convair |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Launch history | |
| Status | Retired |
| Launch sites | LC-12 & LC-14, CCAFS |
| Total launches | 8 |
| Successes | 4 |
| Failures | 4 |
| First flight | 11 June 1957 |
| Last flight | 3 June 1958 |
The SM-65A Atlas, or Atlas A, also designated X-11[1] was the first full-scale prototype of the Atlas missile, which first flew on 11 June 1957. Unlike later versions of the Atlas missile, the Atlas A did not feature the stage and a half design. Instead, the booster engines were fixed in place, and the sustainer engine was omitted.
The Atlas A conducted eight test flights, of which four were successful. All test flights were conducted from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, at either Launch Complex 12 or Launch Complex 14.[1]
Launch history[]
| Date | Time (GMT) | Pad | Serial | Apogee | Outcome | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1957-06-11 | 19:37 | LC-14 | 4A | 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) | Failure | First launch attempt of an Atlas vehicle. Performance was normal until T+30 seconds when the missile lost thrust due to overheating that burned through wiring in the boattail section. Range Safety issued the destruct command at T+50 seconds. The flight was considered a "partial success" because the Atlas's balloon skin had maintained its structural integrity until vehicle destruction. |
| 1957-09-25 | 19:57 | LC-14 | 6A | 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) | Failure | Loss of thrust followed by vehicle tumbling and RSO destruct at T+74 seconds due to overheating that led to gas generator failure. |
| 1957-12-17 | 17:39 | LC-14 | 12A | 120 kilometres (75 mi) | Success | First successful flight of an Atlas missile. |
| 1958-01-10 | 15:48 | LC-12 | 10A | 120 kilometres (75 mi) | Success | |
| 1958-02-07 | 19:37 | LC-14 | 13A | 120 kilometres (75 mi) | Failure[citation needed] | Short circuit in the guidance system caused engine shutdown and vehicle breakup at T+167 seconds. |
| 1958-02-20 | 17:46 | LC-12 | 11A | 90 kilometres (56 mi) | Failure | Short circuit in the guidance system caused engine shutdown and vehicle breakup at T+126 seconds. |
| 1958-04-05 | 17:01 | LC-14 | 15A | 100 kilometres (62 mi) | Failure | Turbopump failure caused loss of thrust at T+105 seconds. Vehicle remained structurally intact until impacting the Atlantic Ocean 200 miles downrange. |
| 1958-06-03 | 21:28 | LC-12 | 16A | 120 kilometres (75 mi) | Success |
See also[]
References[]
The original article can be found at SM-65A Atlas and the edit history here.