Edwards AFB in Kern County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

PGM-17A • “Thor”

Douglas Aircraft

By Denise Boose, January 15, 2013

1. PGM-17A • "Thor" Marker

Inscription. Thor was the free world’s first operational intermediate range ballistic missile (IRBM). It was 65 feet long, 8 feet in diameter and weighed 105,000 pounds. Douglas Aircraft was the prime contractor. The missile utilized a single stage North American Rocketdyne LR-79 liquid oxygen rocket motor, which provided 150,000 lbs of static thrust. This gave the Thor of range of 2,000 miles. Development of the system was rapid. Thor’s first successful launch was made on 20 Sep 57 and it entered active military service in September 1958. It was launched from a combination transporter-erector vehicle and was directed to its target by a self-contained inertial guidance system. It was originally designated the SM-75, but later redesignated the PGM-17A. The LR-79 rocket motor was tested extensively at Edwards AFB’s Rocket Propulsion Laboratory.

On loan from the USAF Museum.

Erected by Air Force Flight Test Center Museum.

Location. 34° 54.742′ N, 117° 55.265′ W. Marker is in Edwards AFB, California, in Kern County. Marker can be reached from South Rosamond Boulevard, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Located next to the AFFTC Museum. Edwards Air Force Base is not open to the public. Marker is

By Denise Boose, January 15, 2013

2. PGM-17A • "Thor" Marker

at or near this postal address: 405 South Rosamond Boulevard, Edwards CA 93524, United States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Boeing B-52D - “Stratofortress” (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been reported permanently removed. ); UC-45J - "Expeditor" (within shouting distance of this marker); N.F.-11 (T.T.-20) - “Meteor” (within shouting distance of this marker); T-33A “Shooting Star” (within shouting distance of this marker); NF-4C - "Phantom II" (within shouting distance of this marker); YA-10B Prototype number 73-1664 (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); T-28B - "Trojan" (about 300 feet away); F-84F - "Thunderstreak" (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Edwards AFB.

Categories. • Air & Space •

By Denise Boose, January 15, 2013

3. The "Thor"

By Denise Boose, January 15, 2013

4. The "Thor"

By Denise Boose, January 15, 2013

5. The "Thor"

By Denise Boose, January 15, 2013

6. The "Thor"

By Denise Boose, January 15, 2013

7. Diagram

Credits. This page was last revised on March 23, 2018. This page originally submitted on April 20, 2013, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. This page has been viewed 326 times since then and 16 times this year. Last updated on March 16, 2018, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on April 20, 2013, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.