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History of Launch Complex
- Launch complexes 9 and 10 were built to
support the Navaho winged intercontinental missile
program and utilized the same blockhouse; the two pads
featured different launching methods. The U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers initiated construction in September 1953.
Initial focus was on Pad 9 and the blockhouse. The pad
was 450' from the blockhouse. The oval-shaped pad (115'
radius) and a 2-story reinforced concrete pedestal (66'
8" by 30') with a foldaway erector gantry. Air Force and
contractors occupied the facility in January 1955 and
final acceptance of both pads occurred on 29 June 1956.
The pre-launch shelter constructed of metal on wheels
covered by a canvas awning.
- First Navaho launch from Launch Complex 9 on 6
November 1956
- Total of 11 Navaho XSM-64 vehicles
were launched from Launch Complex 9. The last two
flights were RISE (Research Into Supersonic
Environment). Last flight was on 18 November 1958
- Pad 10 construction started in 1955
and completed in 1956
- Pad 10 is located some 800' from the
blockhouse on hexagonally shaped reinforced concrete
pad, 200 x 250'. The missile set on a portable Navaho
launch stand and was serviced by a movable service tower
63' tall. Rails were used to move the service tower.
- No Navaho launches from Launch Complex 10;
only static tests on a mobile launcher.
- In the summer of 1958, the pad was
reassigned to support the Jason research rocket on a
mobile launcher
- First Jason missile launched from
Pad 3 or 10 on 14 August 1958.
- Total of 6 Jason were launched
between 14 August 1958 and 2 September 1958 from Launch
Complexes 3 and 10.
- In late 1958, the pad was modified to
launch the Alpha Draco. A concrete flame deflector was
poured and tie-down points were installed.
- First Alpha Draco launched from Pad
10, 16 February 1959
- Total of 3 Alpha Draco launched, 16
February - 27 April 1959
- Complex 10 was demolished in 1959 to
make room for Minuteman Launch Complexes 31 and 32
- In 1962, the blockhouse served as the
Administration and Engineering Building
- Pad 9 abandoned, May 1971
- In 1978 the blockhouse was converted
to house the 2nd Combat Communications Group
instructors' quarters. In 2001, it reverted to
blockhouse status.
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