Truck mounted crane with hook lowered over wing of a Matador B-61 A missile in Tripoli, Libya. A launch crewman is preparing to fasten the chains around the wings to the hook of the crane. A Matador transport trailer is backed next to the truck mounted crane. Two men placing the crain which is around the matador wings onto the hook of the truck mounted crane. The wing of the Matador being lifted, positioned and secured to the fuselage of a Matador. A tech sergeant adjusting one of two small cylindrical protrusions underneath the belly of the Matador on zero length launcher. Launch crewmen working on the Matador during the pre launch phase.
A Captain and a Lieutenant inside the sandbagged dugout launch control site in Tripoli, Libya. The captain speaks on phone. Lieutenant in the launch control site standing. Fire truck parked near tail of Matador. Trucks are parked. Launch control officer in the dugout launch control site speaking on telephone. Control officers arms as he pushes the fire button on the control box. Dugout launch control site with an officer standing in front of the fire control box. A Matador seen from the window of launch control site. A Lieutenant Colonel and airman kneeling.
Two Arabs with a camel and a soldier during launch of Matador B-61 A missile in Tripoli, Libya. Launching crew working on Matador B-61A. Matador being elevated on the zero length launcher by a launch crew. Public address speaker has been set up in mid. GI spectators on the brow of slope. Missile in raised position on zero length launcher. Launching crew removes pre launch check out cable. Matador launches. A master sergeant looking at his watch. 69th Pilotless Bomber Squadron insignia and a Tripoli AB security badge.
Staff car coming on road at Wheelus air base in Tripoli, Libya. As car approaches three star flag can be seen just above license plate. Car turns and pulls out on sandy ground. General William H Tunner, Commander of USAFE, and two other officers get out of car. A large group of officers walk across sandy ground. General Tunner can be seen in front of the group. General Tunner and other officers walk toward wooden grandstand. Large group of officers seated on wooden grandstand on the desert. Briefing officer of the First Pilotless Bomber Squadron, briefing the officers on the operation of the Matador missile. Officers sitting in stand. General Tunner and his staff leaving. They walk past stands and enter staff car.
Airman on top of checking control box of Matador missile at Wheelus air base in Tripoli, Libya. Airman checking testing apparatus. Three airmen checking control box on top of Matador, one airman is giving hand signals. Two airmen checking electrical system on Matador which is on zero length launching platform.
Matador missile on zero length launching platform. Matador starts up and engine blast kicks up sand behind the missile. Matador takeoff. Booster burn out and fall away. General Tunner and group of officers looking at matador launching platform after takeoff. An officer of the First Pilotless Bomber Squadron gives the officers a briefing. Personnel working on and around the Matador. Mid section of the Matador. Nose of matador showing words "Could Care Less".
CRITICALPAST.COM: About Us | Contact Us | FAQs - How to Order | License Agreement | My Account | My Lightboxes | Shopping Cart | Advanced Search | Featured Collections | Website Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy ©2026 CriticalPast LLC.
License Agreement |
Terms & Conditions |
Privacy Policy
©2026 CriticalPast LLC.