The F series of Atlas missile silo complexes were the last type of Atlas ICBM bases to be built. The construction cost of just the basic concrete underground structures was approximately $15 million dollars each (in 1960 dollars). Today’s current value of the construction cost would be over $120,000,000.
The Atlas F silo complex consisted of the main missile silo with an underground tunnel connecting to the LCC, or Launch Control Center. The LCC and silo were only accessible through an above ground entry way. There was an emergency escape hatch which could only be used from within the LCC.
The Atlas F LCC was staffed by five man crews. The crews consisted of a MCCC, DMCCC, BMAT, MFT and EPPT. There was additional support equipment and personnel areas above ground which were contained in two quonset huts of 4,000 square feet each.
Most Atlas F silos were built on approximately 20 acres with 5 acres contained inside a 7 foot chain link fence. The Atlas F complex was the first of the “hardened” missile silo structures. The concrete used was mixed with an epoxy based resin to provide a substantial increase in strength. When combined with an estimated 600 tons of steel rebar, this provided a structure capable of more than 200 pounds per square inch of overpressure. This is roughly equivalent to a 500 mile per hour wind! This made the Atlas F complex one of the strongest structures ever built by man.
There were 72 Atlas F operational sites built along with three test sites at Vandenberg AFB. The Air Force established six strategic missile squadrons, each of which supported twelve individual sites. Shown below is a list of where each Atlas F squadron was located.
(original text content credit: http://www.atlasmissilesilo.com)
