From The Archives: Ground-Launched Cruise Missiles Deployed In Five Countries

ground launched missiles

U.S. Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) personnel are in the shake-down phase of deploying BGM-109 ground-launched cruise missiles (GLCMs) in five European nations. 

USAFE is attempting to refine both the launch equipment itself and the tactics to deploy the missiles. The goal is to increase their survivability while finding ways to operate them efficiently. 

"We have not been in the ground-launched cruise missiles business since the 1960s," Gen. Charles L. Donnelly Jr., commander-in-chief of USAFE. "We are having to learn how to operate in a new environment."

Discover more about the planned wings of the GLCMs activated in Europe, including RAF Greenham Common in the UK. 

Read the full article on page 46 of the August 5, 1985, issue of Aviation Week & Space Technology. 

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