Specifications

Purpose:	Intercontinental Ballistic Missile
Power Plant:	1st stage: 1 LR-87-AJ-3; 2d stage: 1 LR-91-AJ-3
Thrust:	1st Stage: 329,999 lb thrust at sea level 2nd Stage: 80,801 lb thrust at 250,000 feet altitude
Height:	31 meters
Diameter:	3.05 meters
Stages:	2
Fuel:	RP-1/LOX
First Flight:	6 February 1959
Last Flight	5 March 1965
Primary Launch Sites:	Cape Canaveral, Vandenberg AFB
Unit Cost:	Approximately: $1.5 million (1962)
Manufactured by:	Raytheon Corporation

History

This Titan I Intercontinental Ballistic Missile landed at California Polytechnic College in San Luis Obispo, California, early 1969. Since that time the relic had laid unceremoniously outside of the Aeronautical Engineering building, slowly being etched away by the salty mists from Morro Bay which, unfortunately, visit almost nightly.

The missiles were stored in widely dispersed hardened underground silos covered by two concrete doors. After fueling, the Titan 1 was raised out of the silo for launch. The total production of the Titan 1 was about 160 missiles, of which more than 60 were launched for tests and training. None were ever used during aggression towards an enemy. The Titan II became operational in 1963 and the Titan 1 was phased out very rapidly between January and April, 1965, when all deployed Titan 1's (54 missiles) were retired from service.

Once a mighty creature of the sky, Titan I and II served their original purpose as a peace-keeper, but outlived its usefulness and now has earned a place of honor in our nation's history. This is the only known one existing on the West Coast.

Cal Poly was more than glad to get rid of it, and we were equally glad to accept it. It is presently set upright in front of the Hangar 1, both as a landmark and as a symbol of the pioneer space programs, but minus its center section — zoning laws and prevailing winds won't permit its full height. That part of the original rocket which held its liquid fuel cells (Lox/Kerosene) had deteriorated beyond economic restoration.