My research
has shown that, if anything, the ICBMs were sized to fit into the C-133. The
C-133 design was frozen BEFORE final design of any of the ICBMs. The first
purchase contract for the C-133 was dated 1 Sep 53. The C-133 Definitive
Contract AF33(600)-22452 was dated 17 May
54. Convair got the first Atlas contract on 14 Jan 55, for a missile 10 feet in
diameter. Whether this design change was related to the C-133 as a potential
ICBM hauler is unknown. This was smaller than the initial Convair design of
Atlas in 1953. Atlas D was the first operational Atlas ICBM, making its first
flight on 14 Apr 59, three years after the first flight of the C-133. Titan was
contracted to Martin in Oct 1955. Minuteman design studies began in 1956 and
Saturn grew out of studies in 1957 by the Army Ballistic Missile Agency. Saturn
was too big for C-133 transport, though its engines were moved by the
Cargomaster. It is clear that the C-133 design was set well before that of any
of the ICBMs. The closest sizing of the C-133 to the missiles to be carried was
the modification of the aft cargo doors to make a larger opening and easier
loading of the ICBMs. This was the C-133B. Interior cargo compartment
dimensions remained the same, however, as in the C-133A.
Cal Taylor
