Minuteman III launch scrubbed

In article ,
Derek Lyons wrote:
Nit: The computer code in the guidance computer is the exactly the
same between tactical and test launches. It's only the variables that
are changed...

While we're on the subject, a point of curiosity...

I would assume that serious precautions are taken to ensure that a test
launch uses the right missile. (Taping over the other LAUNCH buttons? :-))
Can you say anything about what those are?

(It is possible that Derek won't be able to comment -- e.g., it may relate
to classified security measures for operational launches -- but it seemed
worth asking.)
--
MOST launched 30 June; science observations running | Henry Spencer
since Oct; first surprises seen; papers pending. |

(Henry Spencer) wrote:

In article ,
Derek Lyons wrote:
Nit: The computer code in the guidance computer is the exactly the
same between tactical and test launches. It's only the variables that
are changed...

While we're on the subject, a point of curiosity...

I would assume that serious precautions are taken to ensure that a test
launch uses the right missile. (Taping over the other LAUNCH buttons? :-))
Can you say anything about what those are?

Do you really want the whole list? g I got about a quarter of the
way through it and realized it was quite long and made little sense
without considerable explanation of how the system normally worked.

To put it simply; Almost everywhere we can break or block the firing
chain (consistent with retaining the ability to jettison the tubes not
under test if needed) we either break it, or put a restriction in.
(I.E. remove components, or power them down, or block them from
operating, or lie to system as to it's configuration, or put them in a
condition that requires deliberate action to override.) The
precautions taken are not so much as serious as extreme.

In addition, everyone knows which tubes are under test, and watches
his station like a hawk to ensure that only those tubes are actually
powered up and entered into the readiness and launch sequences. (This
includes not only the launcher and fire control crews, but the CO on
the Conn, who has his own panel which shows which birds have power
applied by fire control and which tubes have been enabled by
launcher.)

(It is possible that Derek won't be able to comment -- e.g., it may relate
to classified security measures for operational launches -- but it seemed
worth asking.)

Actually, the existence and general function of the security
measure(s) are not classified, but the details are. (I.E. I can say
the Ignition Inverter is removed from missiles not under test, but I
can't discuss it's actual function in any but the most general terms.)


This makes some sense, as you want to be able to discuss and publicize
the existence of the measures, but you don't want to give any details
that could lead to circumvention of the system.

D.
--
Touch-twice life. Eat. Drink. Laugh.

In article ,
Derek Lyons wrote:
Can you say anything about what those are?

Do you really want the whole list? g

Nah, the summary suffices. Not that I wouldn't be interested in the list
with the accompanying system tutorial :-), but I expect it'd be a lot of
work to type up...
--
MOST launched 30 June; science observations running | Henry Spencer
since Oct; first surprises seen; papers pending. |

(Henry Spencer) wrote:

In article ,
Derek Lyons wrote:
Can you say anything about what those are?

Do you really want the whole list? g

Nah, the summary suffices. Not that I wouldn't be interested in the list
with the accompanying system tutorial :-), but I expect it'd be a lot of
work to type up...

g The RTM's I have (which are very basic system training manuals)
run around 2000 plus pages, there is a middlin' bit of duplication, so
figure on around 1000 pages to digest and summarize. Quite a long term
project.

If you have any specific questions, I'll be happy to answer those I
can here or via email.

D.
--
Touch-twice life. Eat. Drink. Laugh.