Titan II Weapon Systerm

The film highlights advancements in military technology and training during the 1960s, showcasing the Titan 2 ballistic missile and the YC-141b aircraft.

Titan 2 is described as the largest and most powerful ballistic missile in the U.S. arsenal during that time, with 54 deployed across three Strategic Air Command locations. Standing at 103 feet tall and weighing 150 tons, it could launch from its silo in less than a minute, reaching speeds of 15,000 mph. Developed by a team of contractors and the Air Force ballistic systems division, it served as a major deterrent force, ready for action at a moment’s notice.

The YC-141b, a stretched version of the C-141 Starlifter, is 23 feet longer than the standard model and underwent aerial delivery testing at the Air Force Flight Test Center in Edwards Air Force Base. This testing included parachute deployments and personnel airdrop tests with Army and Air Force jumpers. The YC-141b was also equipped with an aerial refueling capability, which underwent successful tests to establish a certified refueling envelope.

The film also covers a study sponsored by the Joint Technical Coordinating Group for Munitions Effectiveness, which tested factors that contribute to damage and sustained fire from cannon hits in enemy aircraft fuselages. Using a full-sized fuselage section with fuel tanks, the tests confirmed that damage is influenced by airspeed, ammunition caliber, and fuel levels.

Lastly, the film addresses the Air Force’s objective of increasing the operational life of its systems through the development of new, lightweight, and reliable structures. The Air Force Materials Laboratory uses non-destructive evaluation techniques such as high-power x-rays, ultrasonics, magnetic particle tests, eddy currents, and dye penetrants to examine and ensure the integrity of these materials without destroying them.

In summary, the film showcases the technology and capabilities of the U.S. military during the 1960s, emphasizing readiness, deterrence, and advancements in materials science that contribute to the longevity and effectiveness of military equipment.

We digitized and uploaded this film from the A/V Geeks 16mm Archive. Email us at footage@avgeeks.com if you have questions about the footage and are interested in using it in your project.