Nike Pre-Launch Sequence

This sequence assumes that all of the daily, weekly, etc. checks have been performed.
This information is grouped into the following sections:

Preparation Phase (under-ground)
- Missile armed to operate at booster separation
- Flag and plug removed from missile air-speed (pitot) hole
- Missile lifted by elevator to surface
Preparation Phase (above ground)
- (optional) Missile moved to adjacent launcher
- Missile connected to gyro preset and booster igniter circuits
- Missile raised to vertical position (actually about 87 degrees)
- Missile Officer selects missile - may be one of many
- Missile Officer assures that missile launch key is inserted into Launch Control Console
Missile is ready to launch (fire)
- (At IFC area) Missile Tracking Radar locks onto (tracks) missile
- (At IFC area) Target is tracked
- (At IFC area) Computer is "settled" - there is a predicted intercept point
- (At IFC area) Azimuth angle of predicted intercept point is sent to missile gyro by computer
  Note: missile gyro is used to tell missile guidance the direction of "down"
- (At IFC area) Battery Control officer lifts protective cover from Launch Switch
- (At IFC area) Battery Control officer operates Launch Switch
- (At IFC area) Computer delays "Launch" order for 2 seconds to assure missile gyro has settled to angle of Predicted Intercept Point
- (At IFC area) Electrical launch signal goes to launcher area
- Electric signal goes through Launch Control Console (key enabled) to missile boosters
Electric signal ignites missile boosters
Big flames and roar
Missile zooms straight up about 25 g's

- end of Pre-Launch Sequence -

From FM 44-1-2 ADA Referennce Handbook, 15 June 1984, see page 21 "Rings of Supersonic Steel"

If you have comments or suggestions, Send e-mail to Ed Thelen

Updated October 18, 1996