Smithsonian Institution
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Asset Name:
media:NASM-A19640039000_CU02

File Usage:

Not determined
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Object details:

Object Name: Inertial Platform, Thor
Smithsonian Record ID: edanmdm:nasm_A19640039000

	Object Name
	Inertial Platform, Thor

	Metadata Usage
	Not determined

	Guid
	http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/nv94bae3b5f-a7cd-4d5e-8a4f-fb4086849e78

	Data Source
	National Air and Space Museum

	Manufacturer
	AC Spark Plug Division, General Motors Corporation

	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.)

	Dimensions
	Storage: 80.01 x 161.29 x 96.52cm (2ft 7 1/2in. x 5ft 3 1/2in. x 3ft 2in.)

	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.

	Summary
	It was transferred to NASM from the United States Air Force in 1964 and is now stored at the Garber facility.

	Country of Origin
	United States of America

	Credit Line
	Transferred from the United States Air Force

	Inventory Number
	A19640039000

	Type
	EQUIPMENT-Electronics

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