SM-65 Atlas Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile System 1956-1965
Atlas Missile 27E
General Dynamics Missile Serial Number: 60-5485
General Dynamics Manufacturing Number: 27E
Air Force Missile Tail Number: 485
Missile Acceptance Date: 1/31/1961
Missile Delivery Date: 2/9/1961
ICBM Squadron Number: N/A
ICBM Squadron Site Assignment: N/A
Missile Destination: Vandenberg Air Force Base
Missile Mission: Operational Readiness Training
Missile Launch Date: 6/7/1961
Missile Launch Payload: CAT II - Sure Shot
Missile Launch Location: Vandenberg AFB - Site F (OSTF-1)
Missile Launch Outcome: Failure
Notes: This was the first attempted launch of an Atlas E ICBM from a coffin launcher style complex at Vandenberg AFB and was the first missile launch attempted from the Vandenberg AFB Site F (OSTF-1) Launch Complex. The missile fell back into the launch bay and exploded shortly after liftoff due to combustion instability in the B-1 booster engine. A considerable amount damage was done to the launch facility which was subsequently repaired and put back into service with the attempted launch of Atlas 66E.
This short video is of the 27E test launch at Vandenberg AFB. The launch facility is 576-F, or OSTF-1 as it was called. (NOTE: This video does not have sound.)
VIDEO LENGTH: 8 Seconds FILE SIZE: 1.8 MB