Project ICE CUBE - High-Altitude "Snap-up"
Intercept Evaluation
By Colonel Paul A. Seymour, USAF (Ret), 19 Aug 2007
"Ice Cube" was a high-altitude "snap-up" intercept evaluation conducted by
F-106A interceptors stationed at George Air Force Base in 1962 (approximate
date) to determine the ability of the F-106 to intercept and destroy extremely
hi-flying aircraft.
The F-106 pilots were outfitted with capstan partial pressure suits. They flew a
full-afterburner profile to approximately 45,000 feet, accelerated to Mach 2.0
or greater, acquired the high flying target (Lockheed U-2 aircraft), initiated a
high-G pull-up once they were locked onto the target with their radar, and
climbed until “simulated launch” of the MB-1 nuclear rocket weapon.
During the “pop-up”, they experienced “afterburner blow-out” at about 65,000
feet, and engine “flame-out” at about 72,000 feet. When the engine quit, their
pressure suits inflated, and they experienced nearly uncontrollable flight. When
the nose finally dropped below the horizon and the airspeed began to climb, they
regained marginal control of the aircraft. However, flying the aircraft with a
fully inflated pressure suit proved to be extremely difficult. After descending
to about 25,000 feet, the pilots initiated an “air start” on the engine, hoping
like hell that it re-lit.
All of the F-106 “Ice Cube” flights were successful in restarting the engine,
and approach and landing was without incident. Nonetheless, the “snap-ups” were
all planned to occurred near-or-over Edwards Air Force Base in California, where
there were long runways and ample “dry lakes” to land in the event a “dead
stick” landing was required.
The “Ice Cube” tests proved the “reasonably effective” ability of the F-106 to
intercept and “kill” an extremely high-flying hi-speed aircraft, although
intercept conditions needed to be extremely precise.
I flew on about four of these test missions, could see the “curvature of the
earth” at maximum altitude, and witnessed the totally black sky above with stars
during the daylight missions. It was awesome, and one of the greatest thrills of
my flying career! Colonel Paul A. Seymour, USAF (Ret)
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