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Show ATLAS fabrication began in early 1955. First engine tests were conducted in June 1956, and the first test flight was made at Cape Canaveral on June 11, 1957. Subsequent modifications and flight tests have more than confirmed the total full range capability of "ATLAS" or America's first intercontinental ballistic missile. On November 28, 1958, less than 18 months after he first U.S. ICBM flight, the ATLAS performed full-range flying more than 6, 300 statute miles across the South Atlantic from its launch site at Cape Canaveral, Florida. On December 18, 1958, an Atlas ICBM was "steered" into orbit around the early in PROJECT SCORE. The first operational SAC crew launched a series "D" ATLAS on September 9, 1959, from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. On January 26, 1960, two Alias ICBM's were launched less than two hours apart. The first roared out over the Pacific Missile Range after a successful launch by a SAC crew from Vandenberg AFB, California. The second was launched on its successful flight one hour and forty-five minutes later down the Atlantic Missile Range from Cape Canaveral, Florida. ATLAS was this country's first operational Intercontinental Ballistic Missile. There are three different versions of the ATLAS . The "D" model is launched from surface gantries and "soft" surface coffin enclosures; the semi-hard "E" model will be launched from horizontal coffin-type launchers partially buried in the earth, while later squadrons will house the "F" model, which will be launched from underground silos. Program Management; Ballistic Systems Division (AFSC) with systems engineering and technical direction by Space Technology Laboratories , Inc. The Governmental Breakdown for Construction of Missile Sites On August 1, 1960, the Department of the Army established, through its Construction Agency, the Corps of Engineers, a central command in Los Angeles, to accomplish the ICBM construction assignment of the Army. The new organization was called the Corps of Engineers Ballistic Missile Construction Office (CEBMCO - prounced "See-bem-ko"). CEBMCO was given the responsibility for construction of Missile facilities for three types of Atlas, two of Titan, and for the Minuteman. Such centralized control assured uniformity of construction, of administration of Government contracts, and of attacking and solving challenges inherent in the program. This was necessary to accomplish the ultimate goal-- construction of missile sites, at the earliest date possible, and at fair prices to the Government. |