At the launching control console, there was a green "ready" light for each section, and a green numbered launcher identification light for each section in action. At that time, he also inserted the crew safety keys and placed them in the "fire" position. He checked the pin board to ensure that all the safety pins and the booster squib shorting plug were present. The section chief then entered the magazine room, closed the vents, and returned to the personnel room, securing blast-proof doors. Even when the streamers were removed, personnel had to use special keys to unlock the "awesome power" of the missile system.Īfter preparing the missiles for launch and checking the area to ensure all personnel were below, the section chief descended into the underground personnel room, closing the escape hatch cover behind him. For example, red streamers were attached to those mechanical parts that had to be removed before the missile could be launched.
#Missile commander pin series#
Among the precautions that were employed were a series of color-coded streamers attached to critical plugs and keys. Safety was the central theme stressed in the film. The chief of the section then announced over the intercom: "Launcher 1, 2, 3, and 4 ready."Īn Army film on Nike Hercules provides a visual re-creation of the firing of a missile. If test readings were within acceptable tolerances, the launching crew made the connections and removed the booster squib shorting plug. The launching crew checked for stray voltage and continuity at the detonator receptacle on the launchers with the squib (or detonator) tester. The chief of the launching section removed the air regulator safety pin and the missile support yoke safety pin. The fourth missile was brought to the surface on the elevator, where it could also be launched. Three missiles were brought above ground, one at a time, on the elevator, and pushed to the satellite launchers and locked in place with pins.
As the target entered the range of the acquisition radar and the missiles at each battery readied for launch, a "blue alert" status sounded, signalling that all personnel should go to battle stations. Once the Army Air Defense Command Post received word of an impending attack, it notified its battalions.
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