|
Complex 40 becomes active with
the first Titan IIIC launch |
 |
It is June 18, 1965, and there are two significant "firsts" today:
Complex 40 hosts its first launch, and the vehicle launched is the first Titan IIIC.
This launch lofted 21,000 lbs. of lead ballast into orbit, and validated both
the launch Complex and the launch vehicle.
The
Titan IIIC is essentially a Titan IIIA with added solid boosters for extra
thrust. The Titan IIIA was only launched four times (all from Complex 20).
Although the naming convention might suggest otherwise, the Titan IIIB (a Titan
IIIA core with a Centaur upper stage) was developed after the Titan IIIC, and
didn't launch until 1966.
| Titan IIIC specifications
and performance |
| Length |
157 ft. |
Diameter |
10 ft. |
| Stage |
Stage name |
Engine(s) |
Propellant(s) |
Thrust |
| 0 |
Titan UA1205 |
2 United Technologies UA1205 |
Solid |
2.36 million lbs. |
| 1 |
Titan 3A-1 |
1 Aerojet LR-87-11 |
N2O4, Aerozine-50 |
532,000 lbs. |
| 2 |
Titan 3A-2 |
1 Aerojet LR-91-11 |
N2O4, Aerozine-50 |
101,000 lbs. |
| 3 |
Titan Transtage |
2 Aerojet AJ10-138 |
N2O4, Aerozine-50 |
16,000 lbs. |
|
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