Exterior of a Sprint launch cell.

• The vertical white pole to the left of the launch cell was the launch area antenna (LAA). It was used by the radar to communicate with the missile in its underground silo prior to missile launch. (Also used for Spartan.)
• Each LAA consisted of a reradiating horn mounted in an 18 inch diameter steel pipe. The pipe and its internal conduit had a weatherproofed cover.
• LAA's were not used at the RSL's. Instead, pre-launch communication with RSL missiles was accomplished via a data link system between the MSR and the RSL missile control center (in the RLOB).
• Following launch, the radar established its normal communication link directly with the missile, whether launched from the MSR complex or an RSL.
• The launch cell cover in this photo is a temporary version used during construction. These were replaced with "explodable" covers before tactical operations began.