History Book to be Published on GM's Defense Research Laboratories
Written by Ronald W. Cox
I have heard many stories about the Apollo program and GM's role in its development, the Defense Research Labs role in developing and making the Moon Rovers, dynamic stabilization for oil drilling 6,000 feet deep in the sea, or lifting a Russian submarine 16,000 feet from the bottom of the ocean (Project Jennifer?). If you would like to read such stories, a group of GM retirees in and around Santa Barbara, California are preparing to publish such a book with these stories. The name of the book is From the Ocean Depths to Outer Space Nothing Left to Chance.
Here is the announcement as I just received it:
"Our Delco History Book Committee has been working diligently for the past three years to capture the amazing history of our company from 1948 through 2004. It is for us, as well as our family members, to enjoy reminiscing about the fascinating history of our company, in Milwaukee and Santa Barbara.
The many significant technological contributions made by our work force over fifty plus years is inspiring. Included are anecdotes from many employees about their personal work experiences. While the company name changed several times, the technology and product lines continued to grow. We can all be very proud!
The printed book, (about 260 pages), includes major programs and many interesting stories and pictures. Also included with the book is a CD containing photographs and events, the anecdotes, and other information that did not fit within the printed pages.
In the book you will find a 50 year chronology of which the following are just a few excerpts:
- The story of how the B36 Bombing Navigation System led AC Spark Plug to become the builder of the B52 BNS that helped save the cold war.
- The story of AC Electronics helping to navigate the men of Apollo to the moon landing in 1969 and subsequently bring the troubled Apollo 13 team home again.
- The story of the Delco C-IV navigator as it improved the safety of commercial airlines flying over the Atlantic and Pacific.
- The story of the USAF acceptance of the commercially qualified C-IV for use as the standard aircraft navigator as well as the Universal Space Guidance System for the Titan launch vehicles.
- The story of the successful development of the MBT 70 tank system and its GM successor the XM-1 which featured the first ever Fire Control System capable of effectively engaging, at long ranges, high speed moving targets while own vehicle was maneuvering at high speeds.
- The story of AC-Delco technologists as they helped put the first engine control computer in a GM car.
- The story of an avionics computer that improved the performance of thousands of F-16 and F-117 fighters.
- The story of the Light Armored Vehicle turret as it came to be used around the world and continues to protect the armies of our allies.
- The story of the Space Inertial Reference Unit whose legacy carries on today as a highly reliable satellite station keeper and a deep space navigator.
The cost is $20.00 per book for the first printing if your paid order is received by July 31, 2008. There will be a second printing as necessary at an increased cost. If the book requires shipping, please add $3.00 per book. Delivery will be by approximately late August.
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Please include:
Your Name and Postal Address.
Telephone and Email Address.
No. of books you want.
Total cost (add shipping if necessary).
Make check payable to: "GM Retiree Group".
Send order to: (deadline July 31, 2008)
Richard Kraemer
1212 Bel Air Drive
Santa Barbara, CA 93105"
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