Created by the Bell Telephone Laboratories, “A Missile Named Mac” tells the story of how ICBMS are guided towards targets through the miracle of modern electronics. The film was directed by Carl Urbano, animated by Oliver Callahan and Gerard Baldwin, and produced by John Sutherland (who at one time worked for Walt Disney). This animated cartoon is told from the point of a view of a missile (“Mac”), and explains how the guidance system, using radar and ground based computers make course corrections and speed adjustments. Fairly straight forward explanation of how the system works.
The film features a missile named Mac who explains the role of Bell Telephone Laboratories and Western Electric Company in guiding ballistic missiles for the government. Mac highlights the challenge of hitting targets at high speeds and introduces his ancestor, Rocky, who required manual aiming and control. The development of basic guidance systems in arrows and rifles is discussed, emphasizing that ballistic missiles need precise calculations for distance and direction after the initial guidance phase. Mac’s guidance system includes a ground-based computer and radar to track him, accounting for Earth’s rotation and his high speed. The first five minutes of Mac’s flight are critical for achieving the right speed and direction, with scientists pre-calculating necessary information fed into the computer. During flight, the computer communicates with Mac via radio signals, guiding and correcting his course. After five minutes, Mac’s engines cut off, and his nose cone continues on its own. This accurate command guidance system is also used to launch satellites for NASA, including Echo 1, Solar Explorer, Tyros, and Telstar. Mac concludes by expressing confidence in the guidance system’s ability to reach any destination, including the moon.
0:24-0:49: A missile named Mac introduces himself and explains that Bell Telephone Laboratories and Western Electric Company guide ballistic missiles for the government.
0:50-1:14: Mac describes the challenge of hitting targets at high speeds and introduces his ancestor, Rocky, who needed to be aimed and controlled before being fired.
1:15-1:30: The development of the arrow and rifle, which had basic guidance systems, is discussed.
1:31-1:51: Ballistic missiles, like Mac, are on their own after the initial guidance phase, requiring precise calculations for distance and direction.
1:52-2:20: Mac’s guidance system includes a ground-based computer and radar to track him, accounting for factors like Earth’s rotation and his high speed.
2:21-2:59: The first five minutes of Mac’s flight are critical, as his engines burn and he must be guided to the right speed and direction.
3:00-3:19: Scientists and engineers pre-calculate the necessary information for Mac to hit his target, which is fed into the computer.
3:20-4:02: During flight, the computer communicates with Mac via radio signals, guiding him and correcting his course as needed.
4:03-4:39: Mac’s engines are mounted on swivels to adjust his direction, and continuous two-way communication with the computer ensures he stays on course.
4:40-5:16: After five minutes, Mac’s engines cut off, and his nose cone is on its own for the rest of the journey.
5:17-5:48: This command guidance system is highly accurate and is also used to launch satellites for NASA.
5:49-6:19: Mac explains that the same guidance system used for missiles is used to put satellites into orbit, mentioning Echo 1, Solar Explorer, Tyros, and Telstar.
6:20-7:29: Communications can include long-distance calls, missile guidance, phone calls, or television programs relayed from satellites. Mac concludes by expressing confidence in the guidance system to reach any destination, including the moon in the future.
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