and that for the Thor still less, although in the Thor case, it will be centered
around the critical firing and fusing elements."
5.
What systems test is possible prior to nuclear firing?
is a prior systems test proposed by the service.
Only for the Polaris
A full Polaris systems test with
a ship-missile-crew system could no occur before 1 May and at that very little time
would remain to remedy any gross deficiencies.
As for the Thor, the time required
to prepare the fusing and firing set and incorporate the tail pods should allow
conducting a test from Vandenberg within 2 to 3 months.
Johnston Island could not occur probably before mid-May.
A Thor systems test from
As for the Redstone,
a limited systems test incorporating the nose-pod and fusing and firing system
changes could be tested in early April at Johnston.
6.
Does the system have adequate technical flexibility?
schedule can be met,
Providing the Navy
the Polaris has by far the most flexible system which would
allow firing from a ship and counting down two missiles simultancously to T-1 minute
and holding there indefinitely.
Additional shots could be performed with minimal
time delay and no fixed land base would be required.
The Thor can be counted dow
to about T-8 minutes and held there due to the short fueling time required.
The
J/
Redstone, on the other hand, begins to be fueled at T-45 minutes and can only hold |
for periods up to 3 to 4 hours.
Further difficulties arise after T-15 minutes
when the batteries must be replaced if an extended hold is required.
As for other
considerations of flexibility, the Redstone is limited to about 800 kilometers
altitude whereas the Polaris and Thor can get weil over 1000 kilometers.
AI1l
three boosters thus meet current requirements although future authorization over
800 kilometers would provide an obvious problem.
In summary, "The operational
flexibility of being able to operate from any chosen area on short notice gives
to the Polaris a definite advantage over the other two systems.
countdown
The simultaneous
feature and the long T-1 minute hold capability are also great assets.
Of the liquid fueled systems, the Thor's longer hold capability at T-8 also gives
a significant advantage over the Redstone.
Yet, any of the three should be