Improved Launch Control System

The Improved Launch Control System (ILCS) was a system used by the United States Air Force's Minuteman II ICBM force. ILCS was a method to transfer targeting information from a Minuteman Launch Control Center to an individual missile by communications lines. Prior to ILCS, new missile guidance would have to be physically loaded at the launch facility; the process usually took hours.

History

ILCS was operational at most Minuteman II wings by . Minuteman III wings had a similar install, designated Command Data Buffer, providing the newer system the potential for remote retarging.^[1]

Phaseout

ILCS was phased out in mid-1990s by the retirement of the Minuteman II force, and the inactivation or reapportioning of units to Minuteman III.^[2]

Chronology

• 1979
  • 1 Mar - 341 SMW's 490th Strategic Missile Squadron completes ILCS upgrades, at a cost of 365 million dollars^[3]

See also

• LGM-30 Minuteman
• Launch control center (ICBM)
• Command Data Buffer - Minuteman III upgrade similar to ILCS
• Rapid Execution and Combat Targeting System (REACT)

References

1. Department of the Air Force: "Strategic Air Command Weapon Systems Acquisition 1964-1979", 28 April 1980
2. FAS.org: Rapid Execution and Combat Targeting
3. Globalsecurity.org: "490th Missile Squadron"