Improved Launch Control System
The Improved Launch Control System (ILCS) was a system used by the United States Air Force's Minuteman II ICBM force. ILCS was a method to transfer targeting information from a Minuteman Launch Control Center to an individual missile by communications lines. Prior to ILCS, new missile guidance would have to be physically loaded at the launch facility; the process usually took hours.
History
ILCS was operational at most Minuteman II wings (except the 44th Missile Wing, which was never upgraded) by the late 1970s. Minuteman III wings had a similar install, designated Command Data Buffer, providing the newer system the potential for remote retarging.[1]
Phaseout
ILCS was phased out in mid-1990s by the retirement of the Minuteman II force, and the inactivation or reapportioning of units to Minuteman III.[2] It was replaced by REACT.
Chronology
- 1979
See also
- LGM-30 Minuteman
- Launch control center (ICBM)
- Command Data Buffer - Minuteman III upgrade similar to ILCS
- Rapid Execution and Combat Targeting System (REACT)
References
- ^ Department of the Air Force: "Strategic Air Command Weapon Systems Acquisition 1964-1979", 28 April 1980
- ^ FAS.org: Rapid Execution and Combat Targeting
- ^ Globalsecurity.org: "490th Missile Squadron"
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