ASC-15

The ASC-15 (Advance System Controller Model 15) was a digital computer developed by International Business Machines (IBM) for use on the Titan II intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).

[1][2] It was subsequently modified and used on the Titan III and Saturn I Block II launch vehicles.

Its principal function on these rockets was to make navigation calculations using data from inertial sensor systems.

[4] The first inertial guidance system for the Titan II was built by AC Spark Plug, and included an inertial measurement unit based on designs from Draper Labs at MIT, and the ASC-15 computer designed and built by IBM in Owego, NY.

The first Titan II missile carrying this system was launched 16 March 1962.

The AC Spark Plug system, including the ASC-15, was replaced by the Delco Electronics Universal Space Guidance System (USGS) on operational Titan II missiles starting in January 1978.

Inside the covers were fifty-two logic sticks, each containing four welded encapsulated modules.

[11] The pitch program was provided by a cam device located in the Servo Loop Amplifier Box.

The ASC-15 was first flown on SA-5, the first Saturn I Block II vehicle and the first to achieve orbit.

[12] It was a passenger on this mission, not guiding the vehicle but generating test data for later evaluation.

The arrangement of the ST-90S and ST-124 systems (including the ASC-15 guidance computer) on SA-6 is shown in Figure 6.