Behind the Scenes of Titan II "Part 7 - Silo Level 2"

Over to the 146 foot deep launch duct, the home of the largest nuclear missile the U.S. ever deployed. A Titan II crew veteran talks about the innovations that allowed such an immense underground launch. Follow along with a new episode every #Titan2sday as we explore the ultimate weapon at the front lines of the Cold War.
Video by ‪@boneyardsafari‬

[@tannercurtis1836]

More!

[@haywoodjay385]

This man explains everything in a clear and understandable manner. Super appreciate this museum having him be used in the making of these short clips.

[@rcarter]

My son and I visited a couple weeks ago and definitely enjoyed it. Very cool experience!

[@LEO-fk1io]

sweet. keep making more of these

[@markclark1654]

Excellent video, very precise and accurate, he explains things just like my old BMAT did! Keep 'em coming! Major Mark Clark, USAFR Ret, former senior DMCCC at MCAFB and LRAFB

[@chuckputnam566]

As a former Titan II Guidance maintenance technician, I am disappointed that you said nothing on level 2 about the guidance system. I worked on both the old base referenced guidance system and the late '70s updated space referenced system (USGS). The MGC and IMU were located between the stage 2 fuel and oxidizer tanks and were serviced there on level 2. Also, on level 2 outside the missile launch tube was the autocollimator room that referenced the guidance system to the base on the missile's original system. It required that we guidance techs perform an annual survey using a theodilite. "Balls, balls, ten flat." (IYKYK)

[@donalddodson7365]

QUESTION: What would the 4 person crew in the Control Room hear during an actual launch? Since it never happened, I suppose no one really knows. (We were all expendables! 😂)

[@insideoutsideupsidedown2218]

Liquid fuel. Whew….

[@acewrench]

Question: If the rigidity of the rocket was dependent on being constantly fueled, and would collapse if empty, what is currently in those tanks to keep the fuselage rigid?

[@Killerchik1504]

If we believe other sources, the Titan rocket (unlike the Atlas rockets) did not have carrying fuel tanks, the Titan could easily stand unfilled without pressure in the tanks. Probably Dave just misspoke a little.

[@ChoChan776]

It's not that it would collapse, but just wouldn't be able to withstand the stresses on it during flight.

[@ateamfan42]

The missile was installed in the silo empty and fueled in place. It was also defueled before removal. And the training missile at the museum is certainly not fueled. So the missile wouldn't collapse with empty tanks. It just wouldn't be able to handle the stresses of launch without the fuel and oxidizer present. But of course it wasn't going to launch empty anyway.