To: MrTed
Yeah - many models tested at RATSCAT were visually classified. I heard they had info from NORAD that provided schedules for when soviet satellites were overhead, so for highly classified testing, they could cover up the model. About the time I was there, I found out after the fact that a new facility was under construction named, I think RAMS (another acronym for which I can not remember the meaning). I heard it described as a real James Bond type facility with a massive elevator that dropped the testing model and 80 ft mounting (they called it a sting) device underground with the push of a button. Would have like to see that.
You likely also passed the "Sled" - a high acceleration device used to test pilots exposure to high acceleration. It was pretty awesome, though we never saw it under operation.
35 posted on
04/25/2012 8:56:22 AM PDT by
tang-soo
(Prophecy of the Seventy Weeks - Read Daniel Chapter 9)
To: tang-soo
By “Sled” do you mean the rocket sled track. Its been long enough my memory is fuzzy, but I know we saw at least one “shot” on the track while I was at ROTC camp. Can’t remember if it was just a rocket test or an ejection seat test. (Saw so many videos/tapes over the years can’t remember what was “Live” and what was “Memorex”!!) Seem to remember we were there for a test shot when the test was cancelled/aborted for technical reasons. Been a lifetime ago.
36 posted on
04/25/2012 11:41:19 AM PDT by
MrTed
("...at the name of Jesus, every knee will bow...", will it be before or after one's death?)
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