F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- The Transporter Erector Replacement System arrived at the 790th Maintenance Squadron on F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming, June 21, 2023.
The replacement of the legacy Transporter Erector is necessary for the modernization of the 90th Missile Wing and the transition to the intercontinental ballistic missile, Sentinel.
“Replacing the legacy TE will provide much needed support to the maintenance teams and boost productivity rates across the ICBM enterprise,” said Master Sgt. Ryan Bratt, 790 MXS production supervisor.
The original TE was first used in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s to support the Minuteman III mission. Now, about 35 years later, the TERP is being fielded with multiple advancements and upgraded components. Some of these advancements are a streamlined hydraulic system and a modern drivetrain, which will provide Airmen using the vehicle more maneuverability while transporting ICBM’s.
According to Bratt, the largest difference in the TERS is that the rear axle of the trailer can now be controlled via a hand-held control unit located near the back of the erector. This will allow an Airman to steer the axle independently, for maximum control, while backing-up onto launch facility’s for operations.
Airman who are part of the missile handling team were responsible for daily operations with the legacy TE and will now be responsible for the TERS. Airmen with the handling team use the vehicles for a number of missions, but its main function is transporting ICBM warheads to and from the missile complex to install, remove or preform maintenance on them at launch facilities.
“The fielding of the new system will decrease maintenance time and improve mission success,” said Bratt. “Additionally, a new TE will ensure a successful launch facility refurb process, keeping Sentinel on schedule.
The process to field the TERS is known as the Transporter Erector Replacement Program. Airmen in the 790 MXS will spend time training on the vehicle to become proficient on its operations and maintenance, while they wait for the second vehicle to arrive and their first operational mission.