Anigrand Craftswork ANIG5009 1:144 Martin SLV-5C Titan IIIC / MOL, X-20, IDCSP

Martin SLV-5C Titan IIIC / MOL, X-20, IDCSP. In 1955, the USAF served a backup in case the first ICBM Atlas development ran fail. It was decided to develop a second system, the Martin Titan I. Later the Titan II with greater range and lifting capacity was initiated. In 1958, the Air Force asked to evaluate proposal for launching a X-20 piloted orbital glider. The Titan II was modified by adding two strap-on solid motors for the initial stage and the booster. It was designated Titan IIIC in 1961. The first Titan IIIC vehicle was launched in 1965, but its original payload, the X-20 was already cancelled in 1963. The Air Force directed its space efforts toward the Manned Orbiting Laboratory (MOL). In 1966, the MOL mockup was launched on the Titan IIIC, however, MOL was also cancelled in 1969. From 1967 to 1970, the Titan IIIC used by the Air Force that boosted IDCSP, VELA, LES-6, military communication and experimental satellites into orbits. It continue to be used for classified DoD missions until 1977 when it was refurbished by the Titan IV program.