 | |
| Function | ICBM |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Martin Company |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Cost per launch | $1.5 million |
| Size | |
| Height | 31 m (102 ft) |
| Diameter | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) |
| Mass | 105,140 kg (231,790 lb) |
| Stages | 2 |
| Launch history | |
| Status | Retired |
| Launch sites | Cape Canaveral LC-15, LC-16, LC-19, LC-20 Vandenberg AFB OSTF SLTF LC-395 |
| Total launches | 70 (suborbital) |
| Success(es) | 53 (suborbital) |
| Failure(s) | 17 (suborbital) |
| First flight | 6 February 1959 |
| Last flight | 5 March 1965 |
| First stage | |
| Engines | 1 LR87-AJ-3 |
| Thrust | 1,900 kN (430,000 lbf) |
| Specific impulse | 290 seconds |
| Burn time | 140 seconds |
| Propellant | RP-1/LOX |
| Second stage | |
| Engines | 1 LR91-AJ-3 |
| Thrust | 356 kN (80,000 lbf) |
| Specific impulse | 308 seconds |
| Burn time | 155 seconds |
| Propellant | RP-1/LOX |
The Martin Marietta SM-68A/HGM-25A Titan I was the United States' first multistage intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), in use from 1959 until 1962. Though the SM-68A was operational for only three years, it spawned numerous follow-on models that were a part of the U.S. arsenal and space launch capability. The Titan I was unique among the Titan models in that it used liquid oxygen and RP-1 as propellants; all subsequent versions used storable propellants instead.
Originally designed as a backup in case the U.S. Air Force's SM-65 Atlas missile development ran into problems, the Titan was ultimately beaten into service by Atlas. Deployment went ahead anyway to more rapidly increase the number of missiles on alert and because the Titan's missile silo basing was more survivable than Atlas.
The succeeding LGM-25C Titan II served in the U.S. nuclear deterrent until 1987 and had increased capacity and range in addition to the different propellants.