Our next stop was the Titan Missile Museum. I was moderately interested upon entering and completely fascinated while there. This is a great museum.
A poster that gave insight into why we “needed” to have enough weapons to completely destroy the USSR fifty times over.
I found the deactivation part quite interesting, especially the part about leaving the silos exposed.
We saw a video of the missiles being launched before heading out to the site. The launches were test launches and all 42 hit their mark. I’m wondering if at twelve million 1960 dollars apiece, we couldn’t have just called it good at say, ten missiles tested.
Our tour guide was Hans (on the left.) Hans opened by telling us he did have an accent and it was a German accent. He further informed us that he could give us a tour without an accent, but he would have to talk in German. I greatly enjoyed Hans.
The hole was cut in the top as part of the treaty. This is the only missile and silo remaining, so there needed to be a way to show it was not operational. When they cut the hole, they had to leave it above ground for a month so the Russian satellites could see it.
To the right you can see the concrete blocks that keep the cover from opening completely. This is part of the treaty. A cover that does not open all the way is unable to launch the missile.
In the control room.
Everything in the silo is suspended on springs to help it survive a missile bombardment. The control room itself is a giant birdcage with massive springs suspending it.
“No Lone Zone” meant that at least two people had to be in this area together. This was standard throughout the silo.
To enter the silo, you had to read a code to the current crew. Upon entering, you had to burn the code and drop the ashes into this red can.
The “protection through power” motto was all over the missiles. I find the “protection through power” motto quite amusing. And convenient, for defense contractors.
I don't think I would have ever thought to come to this museum. I really enjoyed my virtual visit. It was exceedingly interesting. All of the springs, what clever engineers.