Atlas Missile Silo
Atlas E Complexes
The E series of Atlas missile base
complexes were the second type of Atlas
ICBM bases to
be built. The construction cost of just the basic concrete underground structures
was approximately $4 million dollars each....... in 1960 dollars! The Atlas E
missile complex consisted of the
main launch bay itself with an underground tunnel connecting to the LCC, or Launch
Control Center. 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 E silos were built on
approximately 20 acres with 5 acres contained inside a
7 foot chain link
fence. There were 27 Atlas E complexes
built along with two test sites at Vandenberg AFB. The
Air Force established three Atlas E squadrons, each of which supported nine
missile
sites. Shown below is a list of where each Atlas E squadron was located. Please
click on
the patch or link of your choice to learn more details about that particular
squadron.
548th SMS, Forbes Air Force Base, Topeka, Kansas
566th SMS, F. E. Warren Air Force Base,
Cheyenne, Wyoming
567th SMS, Fairchild Air Force Base, Spokane,
Washington
