SM-65A Atlas

Atlas A (SM-65A)

Launch of an Atlas A from LC-12, CCAFS
Function	Prototype ICBM
Manufacturer	Convair
Country of origin	United States
Launch history
Status	Retired
Launch sites	LC-12 & LC-14, CCAFS
Total launches	8
Successes	4
Failures	4
Maiden flight	11 June 1957
Last flight	3 June 1958

The SM-65A Atlas, or Atlas A, also designated X-11^[1] was the first full-scale prototype of the Atlas missile, which first flew on 11 June 1957. Unlike later versions of the Atlas missile, the Atlas A did not feature the stage and a half design. Instead, the booster engines were fixed in place, and the sustainer engine was omitted.

The Atlas A conducted eight test flights, of which four were successful. All test flights were conducted from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, at either Launch Complex 12 or Launch Complex 14.^[1]

Launch history

Date	Time (GMT)	Pad	Serial	Apogee	Outcome
1957-06-11	19:37	LC-14	4A	2 kilometres (1.2 mi)	Failure
1957-09-25	19:57	LC-14	6A	3 kilometres (1.9 mi)	Failure
1957-12-17	17:39	LC-14	12A	120 kilometres (75 mi)	Success
1958-01-10	15:48	LC-12	10A	120 kilometres (75 mi)	Success
1958-02-07	19:37	LC-14	13A	120 kilometres (75 mi)	Failure
1958-02-20	17:46	LC-12	11A	90 kilometres (56 mi)	Failure
1958-04-05	17:01	LC-14	15A	100 kilometres (62 mi)	Success
1958-06-03	21:28	LC-12	16A	120 kilometres (75 mi)	Success

See also

• SM-65 Atlas

References

1. ^ ^{a b} Encyclopedia Astronautica - Atlas A