SM-65C Atlas

Atlas C (SM-65C)
Atlas C awaiting launch (USAF)
FunctionPrototype ICBM
ManufacturerConvair
Country of originUnited States
Launch history
StatusRetired
Launch sitesLC-12, CCAFS
Total launches6
Success(es)3
Failure(s)3
First flight24 December 1958
Last flight24 August 1959
Boosters
No. boosters1
Powered by2 XLR-89-5
Total thrust341,130 lbf (1,517.4 kN)
Specific impulse282 s
Burn time135 s
PropellantRP-1/LOX
First stage
Powered by1 XLR-105-5
Maximum thrust81,655 lbf (363.22 kN)
Specific impulse309 s
Burn time240 s
PropellantRP-1/LOX

The SM-65C Atlas, or Atlas C was a prototype of the Atlas missile. First flown on 24 December 1958, the Atlas C was the final development version of the Atlas rocket, prior to the operational Atlas D.[1] It was originally planned to be used as the first stage of the Atlas-Able rocket, but following an explosion during a static test on 24 September 1959, this was abandoned in favor of the Atlas D. Atlas C was similar to Atlas B, but had a larger LOX tank and smaller RP-1 tank due to technical changes to the Rocketdyne engines. Improvements in materials and manufacturing processes also resulted in lighter-weight components than the Atlas A and B. Booster burn time was much longer than the A/B series, up to 151 seconds. All launches took place from LC-12 at CCAS.[1][2]

  1. ^ a b "Atlas C". 2008-07-06. Archived from the original on 2008-07-06. Retrieved 2024-03-30.
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference :0 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).