Improved Launch Control System

The Improved Launch Control System (ILCS) was a system used by the United States Air Force's Minuteman II ICBM force. ILCS was a method to transfer targeting information from a Minuteman Launch Control Center to an individual missile by communications lines. Prior to ILCS, new missile guidance would have to be physically loaded at the launch facility; the process usually took hours.

History
ILCS was operational at most Minuteman II wings by. Minuteman III wings had a similar install, designated Command Data Buffer, providing the newer system the potential for remote retarging.

Phaseout
ILCS was phased out in mid-1990s by the retirement of the Minuteman II force, and the inactivation or reapportioning of units to Minuteman III.

Chronology

 * 1979
 * 1 Mar - 341 SMW's 490th Strategic Missile Squadron completes ILCS upgrades, at a cost of 365 million dollars