Posted on 02/01/2010 5:36:43 PM PST by ErnstStavroBlofeld
Vandenberg officials announced two days before the planned Nov. 18 launch that the missile test’s postponement would “allow for the completion of ground testing prior to launching.”
However, in response to questions submitted this month, Air Force officials eventually confirmed that some of sort of problem with the weapon led to the postponement.
“All that can be said at this time is that the problem was on-board the missile, and the problem is being actively analyzed,” officials said in a written statement. “Once the analysis is complete more information may be available. The analysis will focus on all aspects of the missile sub-systems and potentially include suggestions for improvements in hardware and software. The results of the analysis may well require continued protection in accordance with established classification procedures.”
Representatives with the 576th Flight Test Squadron at Vandenberg initially refused to answer any questions, beyond confirming that the launch wouldn’t occur until June 16.
But officials with the new organization overseeing nuclear forces, Global Strike Command — created after a series of snafus involving units at North Dakota and Louisiana bases — intervened after a Santa Maria Times reporter persisted.
The Minuteman missile’s problem was discovered after the weapon was “built up” for launch from Vandenberg, during routine pre-launch system tests.
Officials remained mum about which Minuteman stage experienced the problem, saying only that it did “involve the missile flight hardware.”
Crews have since removed the weapon from the underground silo and it remains in storage at Vandenberg, according to officials.
Commanders have launched an engineering review by the 526th ICBM Systems Group at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, to analyze the problem and make recommendations.
In the “near future” the hardware will be sent to Hill, “where further testing will be accomplished in support of an engineering analysis.”
(Excerpt) Read more at news.search.yahoo.com ...
It could be nearly anything. If and unless they release more info, who knows?
This also illustrates why we need a robust and diverse nuclear capability. Don’t put all your nukes in one basket.
USAF General LeMay is turning over in his grave....
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.