Object Details
Manufacturer
AC Spark Plug Division, General Motors Corporation
Summary
This is an inertial platfrom from the guidance system from a Thor intermediate range ballistic missile. The Thor, which entered service in 1958, was powered by a liquid oxygen and kerosene rocket motor. This missile, which was the West's first operational IRBM, had a range of aproximately 2000 miles. It was directed to its target by an inertial guidance system. This system keeps track of the vehicle's course by way of gyroscopes that sense changes in orientation and accelerometers that keep track of changes in velocity. The output from those components is used to adust the rocket to mainain the desidred course during the powered flight segement. This inertial platform served as the reference point for the guidance system.
It was transferred to NASM from the United States Air Force in 1964 and is now stored at the Garber facility.
Credit Line
Transferred from the United States Air Force
Inventory Number
A19640039000
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
EQUIPMENT-Electronics
Materials
Paint, Aluminum, Cadmium Plating, Plastic, Glass, Copper, Stainless Steel, Rubber (Silicone), Steel, Plastic, Nylon, Synthetic Fabric
Dimensions
Approximate: 74.93cm (2ft 5 1/2in.)
Storage: 80.01 x 161.29 x 96.52cm (2ft 7 1/2in. x 5ft 3 1/2in. x 3ft 2in.)
Country of Origin
United States of America
See more items in
National Air and Space Museum Collection
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nasm_A19640039000