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Malmstrom Airmen conduct successful simulated electronic launch

by Airman 1st Class Kristina Overton
341st Missile Wing Public Affairs Office

9/17/2010 - MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont., (AFNS) -- Airmen from the 341st Missile Wing performed multiple tests Sept. 8 and 9 as a part of a simulated electronic launch- Minuteman evaluation.

Six different launch facilities and two launch control centers in the 490th Missile Squadron underwent the testing. Unlike operational test launches at Vandenberg AFB, Calif., SELMs validate the ground hardware and software that commands and controls the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile prior to launch.

"These tests are critical because they demonstrate the wing's nuclear surety by thoroughly evaluating the safety, security and reliability of the weapon system," said Col. Anthony Cotton, 341 Missile Wing commander.

The primary objective of the SELM tests are to evaluate weapon system launch reliability and suitability, collect vital test information and demonstrate the ability of the nation's Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles to respond if needed.

"Conducting these SELM tests ensure the response capability of the wing," said Lt. Col. Richard Cross, the 341st Maintenance Operations Squadron commander. "The evaluation runs through a series of tests to make sure the weapon system will perform its mission without error. The data we collect is significant because it provides critical reliability data for the intercontinental ballistic missile weapon system."

A test readiness review board met Sept. 7 to certify the wing's readiness to execute the mission.

The tests that are conducted for SELM include an airborne test, which is a launch simulation from an aerial launch control center and a ground test, which is an electronically simulated launch from a remote launch control center.

"This is the fifth set of SELM tests I've participated in," said Master Sgt. Christopher McCabe, 341st Missile Maintenance Squadron SELM non-commissioned officer in charge. "We complete rigorous training in preparation for them, which starts almost two months prior to the actual test. Training included step-by-step technical orders and procedures for execution, and reviewing specific instructions and test sequence documents."

The Air Force conducts SELM tests amongst missile bases twice a year. The first was conducted in June at Minot Air Force Base, N.D.

"The success of the SELM test relies on numerous agencies across the base," Sergeant McCabe said. "Many Airmen played a significant role in ensuring that our weapon system is reliable and that the tasks, from posturing the test launch facilities to launch control centers, are performed effectively."