Atlas C awaiting launch (USAF) |
|
| Function | Prototype ICBM |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Convair |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Launch history | |
| Status | Retired |
| Launch sites | LC-12, CCAFS |
| Total launches | 6 |
| Successes | 3 |
| Failures | 3 |
| Maiden flight | 24 December 1958 |
| Last flight | 24 August 1959 |
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. 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 favour of the Atlas D.
Six flights were made. These were all sub-orbital test flights of the Atlas as an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile, with three tests succeeding, and three failing.
All Atlas C launches were conducted from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, at Launch Complex 12.
| Date | Time (GMT) | Serial | Apogee | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1958-12-24 | 04:45 | 3C | 900 kilometres (560 mi) | Success |
| 1959-01-27 | 23:34 | 4C | 900 kilometres (560 mi) | Failure |
| 1959-02-20 | 05:38 | 5C | 100 kilometres (62 mi) | Failure |
| 1959-03-19 | 00:59 | 7C | 200 kilometres (120 mi) | Failure |
| 1959-07-21 | 05:22 | 8C | 900 kilometres (560 mi) | Success |
| 1959-08-24 | 15:53 | 11C | 900 kilometres (560 mi) | Success |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||