Emergency Rocket Communications System
Encyclopedia
The Emergency Rocket Communications System (ERCS) was a back-up communications method for the United States
National Command Authority
, using a UHF
repeater placed atop a Blue Scout rocket or Minuteman II
intercontinental ballistic missile
. ERCS was deactivated as a communication means when President George H.W. Bush issued a message to stand down SIOP
-committed bombers and Minuteman II
s.
strategic forces in the event of a nuclear attack. ERCS was basically a rocket or missile, that carried a UHF transmitter as a payload instead of a nuclear warhead. In the event of a nuclear attack, ERCS would launch the UHF transmitter into low space to transmit an Emergency Action Message
(EAM
) to Strategic Air Command
units.,
version). Sources report that the Project 279 was also known as Project Beanstalk; while the Minuteman system may have been designated LEM-70A.
, West Point
, and Tekamah
, Nebraska. The Program 494L Minuteman version of ERCS was only deployed to Whiteman AFB, Missouri
's 351st Strategic Missile Wing, under the direct control of the 510th Strategic Missile Squadron
(later the 510th Missile Squadron
).
ERCS was a three part communications system composed of the following elements:
ERCS were conducted by Air Force Systems Command
and Strategic Air Command
under the code name GIANT MOON. Launch Control Facility
Oscar-1A (LCF O-1A) and Launch Facility Zero Four (LF-04) at Vandenberg AFB, California
were modified in 1977 to perform ERCS-related test functions.
was made the Systems Support Manager in August 1963.
File:NMUSAF_ERCS_sign.PNG|ERCS display sign at NMUSAF
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File:494L System Launch Control Facility Layout.png|ERCS LCC Layout
File:494L System Launch Facility Layout.png|ERCS LF Layout
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
National Command Authority
National Command Authority
National Command Authority is a term used by the Department of Defense of the United States of America to refer to the ultimate lawful source of military orders. The NCA comprises the President of the United States and the Secretary of Defense jointly, or their duly deputized successors, i.e...
, using a UHF
Ultra high frequency
Ultra-High Frequency designates the ITU Radio frequency range of electromagnetic waves between 300 MHz and 3 GHz , also known as the decimetre band or decimetre wave as the wavelengths range from one to ten decimetres...
repeater placed atop a Blue Scout rocket or Minuteman II
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...
intercontinental ballistic missile
Intercontinental ballistic missile
An intercontinental ballistic missile is a ballistic missile with a long range typically designed for nuclear weapons delivery...
. ERCS was deactivated as a communication means when President George H.W. Bush issued a message to stand down SIOP
Single Integrated Operational Plan
The Single Integrated Operational Plan was the United States' general plan for nuclear war from 1961 to 2003. The SIOP gave the President of the United States a range of targeting options, and described launch procedures and target sets against which nuclear weapons would be launched...
-committed bombers and Minuteman II
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...
s.
Mission
The mission of the Emergency Rocket Communications System was to provide assured communication to United StatesUnited States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
strategic forces in the event of a nuclear attack. ERCS was basically a rocket or missile, that carried a UHF transmitter as a payload instead of a nuclear warhead. In the event of a nuclear attack, ERCS would launch the UHF transmitter into low space to transmit an Emergency Action Message
Emergency Action Message
An Emergency Action Message is a preformatted message that directs nuclear-capable forces to execute specific Major Attack Options or Limited Attack Options in a nuclear war...
(EAM
Emergency Action Message
An Emergency Action Message is a preformatted message that directs nuclear-capable forces to execute specific Major Attack Options or Limited Attack Options in a nuclear war...
) to Strategic Air Command
Strategic Air Command
The Strategic Air Command was both a Major Command of the United States Air Force and a "specified command" of the United States Department of Defense. SAC was the operational establishment in charge of America's land-based strategic bomber aircraft and land-based intercontinental ballistic...
units.,
Nomenclature
ERCS was also known as Project 279 (Blue Scout version) and Project 494L (MinutemanLGM-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...
version). Sources report that the Project 279 was also known as Project Beanstalk; while the Minuteman system may have been designated LEM-70A.
Operations
The Blue Scout version of ERCS (Program 279) was deployed to three sites near WisnerWisner, Nebraska
Wisner is a city in Cuming County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 1,270 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Wisner is located at ....
, West Point
West Point, Nebraska
West Point is a city in and the county seat of Cuming County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 3,660 at the 2000 census.-History:West Point was first founded in the spring of 1857, when Omaha businessmen formed the Nebraska Settlement Association in order to find suitable townsites in...
, and Tekamah
Tekamah, Nebraska
Tekamah is a city in Burt County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 1,736 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Burt County.-History:...
, Nebraska. The Program 494L Minuteman version of ERCS was only deployed to Whiteman AFB, Missouri
Missouri
Missouri is a US state located in the Midwestern United States, bordered by Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska. With a 2010 population of 5,988,927, Missouri is the 18th most populous state in the nation and the fifth most populous in the Midwest. It...
's 351st Strategic Missile Wing, under the direct control of the 510th Strategic Missile Squadron
510th Missile Squadron
The United States Air Force's 510th Missile Squadron was a missile unit located at Whiteman AFB, Missouri. After the end of the Cold War, and lessening of tensions with Russia, the 510 MS was deactivated along with its contingent of Minuteman II missiles...
(later the 510th Missile Squadron
510th Missile Squadron
The United States Air Force's 510th Missile Squadron was a missile unit located at Whiteman AFB, Missouri. After the end of the Cold War, and lessening of tensions with Russia, the 510 MS was deactivated along with its contingent of Minuteman II missiles...
).
ERCS was a three part communications system composed of the following elements:
- The five 510th Strategic Missile Squadron510th Missile SquadronThe United States Air Force's 510th Missile Squadron was a missile unit located at Whiteman AFB, Missouri. After the end of the Cold War, and lessening of tensions with Russia, the 510 MS was deactivated along with its contingent of Minuteman II missiles...
Launch Control CentersLaunch 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...
, which exercised primary control over the ERCS - The Minuteman missiles configured with ERCS payloads that were capable of accepting a voice recorded message of up to 90 seconds in length
- The SACStrategic Air CommandThe Strategic Air Command was both a Major Command of the United States Air Force and a "specified command" of the United States Department of Defense. SAC was the operational establishment in charge of America's land-based strategic bomber aircraft and land-based intercontinental ballistic...
airborne command postPost Attack Command and Control SystemThe Post Attack Command and Control System was a network of communication sites for use before, during and after a nuclear attack on the United States. PACCS was designed to ensure that National Command Authority would retain sole, exclusive, and complete control over US nuclear weapons...
(ABNCPPost Attack Command and Control SystemThe Post Attack Command and Control System was a network of communication sites for use before, during and after a nuclear attack on the United States. PACCS was designed to ensure that National Command Authority would retain sole, exclusive, and complete control over US nuclear weapons...
) ALCCPost Attack Command and Control SystemThe Post Attack Command and Control System was a network of communication sites for use before, during and after a nuclear attack on the United States. PACCS was designed to ensure that National Command Authority would retain sole, exclusive, and complete control over US nuclear weapons...
-equipped aircraft which served as an alternate ERCS control agency.
Testing
Operational tests of the Minuteman IILGM-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...
ERCS were conducted by Air Force Systems Command
Air Force Systems Command
Air Force Systems Command is a former United States Air Force command. Its headquarters was located at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland...
and Strategic Air Command
Strategic Air Command
The Strategic Air Command was both a Major Command of the United States Air Force and a "specified command" of the United States Department of Defense. SAC was the operational establishment in charge of America's land-based strategic bomber aircraft and land-based intercontinental ballistic...
under the code name GIANT MOON. Launch Control Facility
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...
Oscar-1A (LCF O-1A) and Launch Facility Zero Four (LF-04) at Vandenberg AFB, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
were modified in 1977 to perform ERCS-related test functions.
| Blue Scout Jr ERCS Test Launches | |||||
| Date | Launch Vehicle | Location | Apogee | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 May 1962 | Blue Scout Jr SLV-1C | Vandenberg AFB, LC-A | 1,000 km (600 mi) | ||
| 24 Jul 1962 | Blue Scout Jr SLV-1C | Vandenberg AFB, LC-A | 1,000 km (600 mi) | ||
| 21 Nov 1962 | Blue Scout Jr SLV-1C | Vandenberg AFB, LC-A | 1,000 km (600 mi) | ||
| 2 Feb 1963 | Blue Scout Jr SLV-1C | Vandenberg AFB, LC-A | 1,000 km (600 mi) | ||
| 14 Mar 1963 | Blue Scout Jr SLV-1C | Vandenberg AFB, LC-A | 1,000 km (600 mi) | ||
| 17 May 1963 | Blue Scout Jr SLV-1C | Vandenberg AFB, LC-A | 1,000 km (600 mi) | ||
| 17 Dec 1963 | Blue Scout Jr SLV-1C | Vandenberg AFB, 4300C | 1,000 km (600 mi) | ||
| Minuteman II ERCS Test Launches | |||||
| Date | Launch Vehicle | Location | Apogee | Notes | |
| 1966 December 13 | Minuteman II 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... |
Vandenberg AFB, LF-05 | 1,300 km (800 mi) | First 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... ERCS test |
|
| 1967 February 2 | Minuteman II 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... |
Vandenberg AFB, LF-05 | 1,300 km (800 mi) | Second 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... ERCS test |
|
| 1970 August 4 | Minuteman II 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... |
Vandenberg AFB, LF-05 | 1,300 km (800 mi) | GIANT MOON 1, GLORY TRIP 16L | |
| 1971 October 22 | Minuteman II 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... |
Vandenberg AFB, LF-05 | 1,300 km (800 mi) | GIANT MOON 2, GLORY TRIP 40L | |
| 1972 March 22 | Minuteman II 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... |
Vandenberg AFB, LF-05 | 1,300 km (800 mi) | GIANT MOON 3, GLORY TRIP 200L | |
| 1973 July 26 | Minuteman II 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... |
Vandenberg AFB, LF-05 | 1,300 km (800 mi) | GIANT MOON 4 | |
| 1974 March 12 | Minuteman II 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... |
Vandenberg AFB, LF-05 | 1,300 km (800 mi) | GIANT MOON 5 | |
| 1974 October 22 | Minuteman II 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... |
Vandenberg AFB, LF-05 | 1,300 km (800 mi) | GIANT MOON 6 | |
| 1975 September 5 | Minuteman II 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... |
Vandenberg AFB, LF-05 | 1,300 km (800 mi) | GIANT MOON 7 | |
| 1976 October 26 | Minuteman II 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... |
Vandenberg AFB, LF-05 | 1,300 km (800 mi) | GIANT MOON 8 | |
ERCS Sortie Location
After the system was declassified, the ten ERCS sorties were powered down and removed from their launch facilities. During these power down operations, the location of the sorties were:| ERCS Sortie Locations | |||||
| Launch Facility | Power Down Date | Payload Removal Date | Notes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F06 | 2 Oct 1991 | 15 Oct 1991 | |||
| F07 | 2 Oct 1991 | 17 Oct 1991 | |||
| I06 | 2 Oct 1991 | 22 Oct 1991 | |||
| I11 | 2 Oct 1991 | 28 Oct 1991 | |||
| M03 | 28 Sep 1991 | 03 Oct 1991 | Missile Guidance System failed; was not replaced | ||
| M07 | 2 Oct 1991 | 08 Oct 1991 | |||
| N04 | 2 Oct 1991 | 29 Oct 1991 | |||
| N08 | 2 Oct 1991 | 31 Oct 1991 | |||
| O05 | 2 Oct 1991 | 29 Oct 1991 | |||
| O06 | 2 Oct 1991 | 31 Oct 1991 | |||
Materiel and Support
The Ogden Air Materiel Area at Hill AFB, UtahUtah
Utah is a state in the Western United States. It was the 45th state to join the Union, on January 4, 1896. Approximately 80% of Utah's 2,763,885 people live along the Wasatch Front, centering on Salt Lake City. This leaves vast expanses of the state nearly uninhabited, making the population the...
was made the Systems Support Manager in August 1963.
Chronology
- 1961, 29 September - HQ USAF issues Specific Operational Requirement (SOR) 192, for ERCS (designated Program 279)
- 1961, 27 December - Interim configuration finalized of three rockets with 1 KW transmitters, stationed around OmahaOmahaOmaha may refer to:*Omaha , a Native American tribe that currently resides in the northeastern part of the U.S. state of Nebraska-Places:United States* Omaha, Nebraska* Omaha, Arkansas* Omaha, Georgia* Omaha, Illinois* Omaha, Texas...
, NebraskaNebraskaNebraska is a state on the Great Plains of the Midwestern United States. The state's capital is Lincoln and its largest city is Omaha, on the Missouri River....
; four sites with three rockets each - 1962, 5 April - Amendment to SOR 192 to include two east coast ERCS complexes, based on CHROME DOMEChrome DomeChrome Dome may be:* Chrome Dome Empire, fictional organization in Cyber City setting for comics* Chrome Dome, fictional character a.k.a. Mr. Cooper in novels* Operation Chrome Dome, U.S. Cold-War strategic-bomber program...
routes and SACStrategic Air CommandThe Strategic Air Command was both a Major Command of the United States Air Force and a "specified command" of the United States Department of Defense. SAC was the operational establishment in charge of America's land-based strategic bomber aircraft and land-based intercontinental ballistic...
elements in EuropeEuropeEurope is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting... - 1962, 21 September - SACStrategic Air CommandThe Strategic Air Command was both a Major Command of the United States Air Force and a "specified command" of the United States Department of Defense. SAC was the operational establishment in charge of America's land-based strategic bomber aircraft and land-based intercontinental ballistic...
study recommends use of 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...
missile, to eliminate Program 279 and its proposed expansion - 1962, 7 June - SACStrategic Air CommandThe Strategic Air Command was both a Major Command of the United States Air Force and a "specified command" of the United States Department of Defense. SAC was the operational establishment in charge of America's land-based strategic bomber aircraft and land-based intercontinental ballistic...
proposes changes to SOR 192, such as using six 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...
missiles selected from among the flights of an operational wing; this was envisioned not to impair the alternative capability of substituting nuclear warheads should future circumstances warrant. - 1962, 11 July - Program 279 attains Initial Operating Capability (IOC); UHF transmitter payloads attached to three MER-6A Blue Scout rockets at three sites near WisnerWisner, NebraskaWisner is a city in Cuming County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 1,270 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Wisner is located at ....
, West PointWest Point, NebraskaWest Point is a city in and the county seat of Cuming County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 3,660 at the 2000 census.-History:West Point was first founded in the spring of 1857, when Omaha businessmen formed the Nebraska Settlement Association in order to find suitable townsites in...
, and TekamahTekamah, NebraskaTekamah is a city in Burt County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 1,736 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Burt County.-History:...
, NebraskaNebraskaNebraska is a state on the Great Plains of the Midwestern United States. The state's capital is Lincoln and its largest city is Omaha, on the Missouri River.... - 1966, 13 December - A Minuteman II launched from Vandenberg AFB, Calif. carried the first Minuteman ERCS payload into space for testing and evaluation
- 1967, 17 April - Third, and last, test of the ERCS using a Minuteman booster; Emergency Action Message was inserted into the transmitter from an ALCSAirborne Launch Control SystemThe United States' Airborne Launch Control System is a method of assured command and control of nuclear weapons, specifically ICBMs and SLBMs...
aircraft. - 1967, 15 August - First Program 494L payload arrives at Whiteman AFB, MissouriMissouriMissouri is a US state located in the Midwestern United States, bordered by Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska. With a 2010 population of 5,988,927, Missouri is the 18th most populous state in the nation and the fifth most populous in the Midwest. It...
- 1967, 10 October - First two Program 494L ERCS payloads put on alert at Whiteman AFB, MissouriMissouriMissouri is a US state located in the Midwestern United States, bordered by Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska. With a 2010 population of 5,988,927, Missouri is the 18th most populous state in the nation and the fifth most populous in the Midwest. It...
; IOC obtained for Program 494L ERCS - 1968, 1 January - Full Operational Capability (FOC) obtained for Program 494L ERCS; Program 279 ERCS inactivated by SACStrategic Air CommandThe Strategic Air Command was both a Major Command of the United States Air Force and a "specified command" of the United States Department of Defense. SAC was the operational establishment in charge of America's land-based strategic bomber aircraft and land-based intercontinental ballistic...
- 1974, 23 October - ERCS test, designated GIANT MOON 6, launched from Vandenberg AFB. Test was monitored on two frequencies by ground facilities. PACOM at Hickam AFB maintained valid reception of the JCS WHITE DOT ONE message for 22 minutes and another message for 14 minutes
- 1991, 27 September - President George H. W. BushGeorge H. W. BushGeorge Herbert Walker Bush is an American politician who served as the 41st President of the United States . He had previously served as the 43rd Vice President of the United States , a congressman, an ambassador, and Director of Central Intelligence.Bush was born in Milton, Massachusetts, to...
terminated SACStrategic Air CommandThe Strategic Air Command was both a Major Command of the United States Air Force and a "specified command" of the United States Department of Defense. SAC was the operational establishment in charge of America's land-based strategic bomber aircraft and land-based intercontinental ballistic...
's alert force operations, which included taking Minuteman IILGM-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...
ICBMs (including ERCS sorties) off-alert.
Photo gallery
File:NMUSAF_ERCS_sign.PNG|ERCS display sign at NMUSAF
National Museum of the United States Air Force
The National Museum of the United States Air Force is the official museum of the United States Air Force located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base northeast of Dayton, Ohio. The NMUSAF is the world's largest and oldest military aviation museum with more than 360 aircraft and missiles on display...
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File:NMUSAF_ERCS_5.PNG|
File:NMUSAF_ERCS_6.PNG|
File:494L System Launch Control Facility Layout.png|ERCS LCC Layout
File:494L System Launch Facility Layout.png|ERCS LF Layout
In popular culture
ERCS is mentioned in The Dead Hand: The Untold Story of the Cold War Arms Race and its Dangerous Legacy by David Hoffman.See also
- Dead HandDead Hand (nuclear war)Dead Hand , known also as Perimeter, is a Cold-War-era nuclear-control system used by the Soviet Union and might still be in use in Russia. An example of fail-deadly deterrence, it can automatically trigger the launch of the Russian ICBMs if a nuclear strike is detected by seismic, light,...
- Russia's quasi-version of ERCS, relaying launch codes instead of messages - Post Attack Command and Control SystemPost Attack Command and Control SystemThe Post Attack Command and Control System was a network of communication sites for use before, during and after a nuclear attack on the United States. PACCS was designed to ensure that National Command Authority would retain sole, exclusive, and complete control over US nuclear weapons...
(PACCSPost Attack Command and Control SystemThe Post Attack Command and Control System was a network of communication sites for use before, during and after a nuclear attack on the United States. PACCS was designed to ensure that National Command Authority would retain sole, exclusive, and complete control over US nuclear weapons...
) - Airborne Launch Control SystemAirborne Launch Control SystemThe United States' Airborne Launch Control System is a method of assured command and control of nuclear weapons, specifically ICBMs and SLBMs...
(ALCSAirborne Launch Control SystemThe United States' Airborne Launch Control System is a method of assured command and control of nuclear weapons, specifically ICBMs and SLBMs...
) - Ground Wave Emergency NetworkGround Wave Emergency NetworkThe Ground Wave Emergency Network was a command and control communications system intended for use by the United States government to facilitate military communications before, during and after a nuclear war...
(GWENGround Wave Emergency NetworkThe Ground Wave Emergency Network was a command and control communications system intended for use by the United States government to facilitate military communications before, during and after a nuclear war...
) - Minimum Essential Emergency Communications NetworkMinimum Essential Emergency Communications NetworkThe Minimum Essential Emergency Communications Network is a network of systems providing uninterrupted communications throughout the pre-, trans-, and post-nuclear warfare environment...
(MEECNMinimum Essential Emergency Communications NetworkThe Minimum Essential Emergency Communications Network is a network of systems providing uninterrupted communications throughout the pre-, trans-, and post-nuclear warfare environment...
) - Survivable Low Frequency Communications SystemSurvivable Low Frequency Communications SystemThe AN/FRC-117 Survivable Low Frequency Communications System was a communications system designed to be able to operate, albeit at low data transfer rates, during and after a nuclear attack....
(SLFCSSurvivable Low Frequency Communications SystemThe AN/FRC-117 Survivable Low Frequency Communications System was a communications system designed to be able to operate, albeit at low data transfer rates, during and after a nuclear attack....
) - Primary Alerting SystemPrimary Alerting SystemThe Primary Alerting System , was a network of land-line connections used by the Strategic Air Command for command and control of its nuclear forces.-See also:*Post Attack Command and Control System *Airborne Launch Control System...
(PASPrimary Alerting SystemThe Primary Alerting System , was a network of land-line connections used by the Strategic Air Command for command and control of its nuclear forces.-See also:*Post Attack Command and Control System *Airborne Launch Control System...
) - SAC Automated Command and Control SystemSAC Automated Command and Control SystemThe Strategic Automated Command and Control System is one of myriad command and control systems used to coordinate the operational functions of United States nuclear forces, specifically intercontinental ballistic missiles and nuclear bombers....
(SACCSSAC Automated Command and Control SystemThe Strategic Automated Command and Control System is one of myriad command and control systems used to coordinate the operational functions of United States nuclear forces, specifically intercontinental ballistic missiles and nuclear bombers....
)