Simulated missile launch conducted at Malmstrom Air Force Base

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Dillon White
  • 341st Space Wing Public Affairs Office
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Airmen from the 341st Space Wing performed multiple tests April 14 and 15 as part of a Simulated Electronic Launch - Minuteman evaluation, aimed at gathering vital test information and demonstrating the ability of the Nation's Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles to respond if called on by the President.

The most visible part of the SELM took place April 15 and tested the ability of missile combat crews to follow the right sequence to send electrical signals that open the 110-ton launcher closure door at a Minuteman III launch facility. More than 50 men and women watched as the 110-ton reinforced concrete door at the India-6 launch facility near Cascade, Mont., slid open across metal rails and impacted 6,500 sand bags that weighed a combined 585,000 pounds.

"The 341st Civil Engineer Squadron spent three weeks filling sand bags to place in front of the door to prevent it from traveling outside the fence," said Lt. Col. Robert Vercher, 12th Missile Squadron commander. "With all four ballistic-gas actuators operating, the door will move whatever happens to be in its way."

In the real event of a launch, four ballistic-gas actuators would fire, pulling on a cable inside the launch facility that forces the launcher closure door open. Using four actuators provides enough force to overcome any dirt or snow accumulation that may be in the way of the door, clearing the path for the Minuteman III below to launch from its underground facility.

"This test is well choreographed and driven by safety," Colonel Vercher said. "Maintenance teams have done months of preparation for the test to ensure exactly what we intend to happen, happens."

Missile combat crew members were on site to observe the test as well.

"It's exciting as a missile crew member to watch this test," said 1st Lt. Matthew Soderlund, 12th MS combat crew commander, and test observer. "We're down in the capsule 24/7 and train for this everyday. It's exciting to actually see the results of what we train for."

The lieutenant trains constantly and tests three times a month with 100 percent accuracy as his expectation, he said.

The Air Force conducts SELM tests twice a year, making them a unique opportunity, Colonel Vercher said.

"Most people go through their 20-year career without getting a chance to see a SELM test," he said. "It's a unique opportunity and one well-worth conducting to receive the information tests provide us about the weapon system."