Command Data Buffer
Encyclopedia
Command Data Buffer was a system used by the United States Air Force
's Minuteman
ICBM force. CDB was a method to transfer targeting information from a Minuteman Launch Control Center
to an individual missile by communications lines. Prior to CDB, new missile guidance would have to be physically loaded at the launch facility
; the process usually took hours.
, providing the older system the potential for remote retarging.
system, currently in use by United States
ICBM forces.
United States Air Force
The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
's Minuteman
LGM-30 Minuteman
The LGM-30 Minuteman is a U.S. nuclear missile, a land-based intercontinental ballistic missile . As of 2010, the version LGM-30G Minuteman-III is the only land-based ICBM in service in the United States...
ICBM force. CDB was a method to transfer targeting information from a Minuteman Launch Control Center
Launch control center (ICBM)
A launch control center , in the United States, is the main control facility for intercontinental ballistic missiles . A launch control center monitors and controls missile launch facilities. From a launch control center, the missile combat crew can monitor the complex, launch the missile, or relax...
to an individual missile by communications lines. Prior to CDB, new missile guidance would have to be physically loaded at the launch facility
Launch facility (ICBM)
A launch facility , also known as a missile silo, is an underground vertical cylindrical container for the storage and launching of intercontinental ballistic missiles . They typically have the missile some distance under the surface, protected by a large "blast door" on top...
; the process usually took hours.
History
The surviving remnant of the Minuteman Command Control System (MICCS), CDB permitted the rapid, remote, retarging of the Minuteman III fleet. CDB was operational at all Minuteman III wings by 15 Aug 1977. Minuteman II wings had a similar install, designated Improved Launch Control SystemImproved Launch Control System
The Improved Launch Control System 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...
, providing the older system the potential for remote retarging.
Phaseout
CDB was replaced in the late 1990s by the Rapid Execution and Combat TargetingRapid Execution and Combat Targeting System
The United States Air Force's Rapid Execution and Combat Targeting System is a modification of the LGM-30 Minuteman LCC that provides continual monitoring and rapid retargeting of Minuteman ICBMs...
system, currently in use by United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
ICBM forces.
See also
- LGM-30 MinutemanLGM-30 MinutemanThe LGM-30 Minuteman is a U.S. nuclear missile, a land-based intercontinental ballistic missile . As of 2010, the version LGM-30G Minuteman-III is the only land-based ICBM in service in the United States...
- Launch control center (ICBM)Launch control center (ICBM)A launch control center , in the United States, is the main control facility for intercontinental ballistic missiles . A launch control center monitors and controls missile launch facilities. From a launch control center, the missile combat crew can monitor the complex, launch the missile, or relax...
- Improved Launch Control SystemImproved Launch Control SystemThe Improved Launch Control System 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...
- Minuteman II upgrade similar to CDB - Rapid Execution and Combat Targeting SystemRapid Execution and Combat Targeting SystemThe United States Air Force's Rapid Execution and Combat Targeting System is a modification of the LGM-30 Minuteman LCC that provides continual monitoring and rapid retargeting of Minuteman ICBMs...
(REACT)