-
The Beginning of the Titan II
The Titan II space launcher and Intercontinental Ballistic Missle was developed by the Glenn L. Martin Company. The maiden flight was on March 12, 1962, but the first year of service was in 1963. As the successor of the Titan I, the Titan II carried a payload twice as heavy and reduced the time to launch.
Source -
Accident at Titan II Silo
In 1965, there was a fire in the Titan II Silo during construction that killed 53 men, mostly repairmen. This occured at Little Rock Air Force Base when a hydrolic line was cut with a torch. [Source](<a href='http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGM-25C_Titan_II)' >Source</a> -
Gemini Launch Vehicles
Twelve Titan II Gemini Launch Vehicles, a maned space capsule, were produced and launched from Cape Kennedy. The top half of one GLV was recovered off shore and is now displayed at the Space and Rocket Museum in Huntsville, Alabama. Source -
Oxidizer Spill in Silo
An accident at McConnell Air Force Base Silo kills two men and injures twenty five more. A large scale oxidizer leaked propellant during a fueling operation and caused extensive damage to the silo. Source -
Retirement of Titan II
After serving the nation for 18 years, President Reagan announced the retirement of the Titan II. The system was advanced in age, having served 8 years longer than predicted. Source -
Last Titan II Missle Deactivated
The last Titan II Missile was deactivated at Silo 373-8, in Arkansas. The deactivated missiles were eventually broken up for salvage in 2006. Source
