Jupiter SM-78 Weapon System
I&C Team 2, Çigli AB, Turkey 1961-1962 Chrysler Corporation Missile DivisionHISTORY - Page 15
16,000 in 1950, had trebled its population by 1956, largely through the influx of people associated with the
arsenal and the buildup of contractor operations. Housing had not kept pace, and it was June of 1956
before two Congressional bills helped solve this problem, and several years later before supply and
demand more nearly coincided. As may be surmised, the housing problem had its effects upon the
personnel recruiting program, too.
Facilities, Contractor
ABMA was also concerned with housing from another standpoint, and one that still was not involved with
the construction of facilities within its own immediate complex. This problem related to effectively siting
Chrysler, its prime contractor for REDSTONE and IRBM Nr 2. Difficulty was experienced in satisfying these
space requirements. At the time, Chrysler was occupying 200,000 square feet of floor space at the Naval
Industrial Reserve Aircraft Plant (NIRAP) in Detroit, Michigan [Warren, Michigan-near Sterling heights]. This
space was devoted to REDSTONE production, and a minimum of some 350,000 additional footage was
needed for the IRBM production program. There was more space in the NIRAP building, but this was being
used for jet-engine production. Prompted by this fact, Rear Admiral W. F. Raborn suggested that the Army
seek other sites in the Detroit area. Thereafter, conferences were held and studies were made, and the
choice usually turned to the NIRAP installation, at least on a temporary basis
21
.
______________________________
21. MFR for CG, ABMA, 7 Feb 56, subj: Conf Notes fr Mtg on Jet Engine Plant Facility held on 6 Feb 56; Minutes, JAN/BMC Mtgs, 12 Mar, 12 Apr & 15 Nov 56, all in Hist Off files.
HISTORY - Page 15
16,000 in 1950, had trebled its population by 1956,
largely through the influx of people associated with
the arsenal and the buildup of contractor operations.
Housing had not kept pace, and it was June of 1956
before two Congressional bills helped solve this
problem, and several years later before supply and
demand more nearly coincided. As may be surmised,
the housing problem had its effects upon the
personnel recruiting program, too.
Facilities, Contractor
ABMA was also concerned with housing from another
standpoint, and one that still was not involved with
the construction of facilities within its own
immediate complex. This problem related to
effectively siting Chrysler, its prime contractor for
REDSTONE and IRBM Nr 2. Difficulty was experienced
in satisfying these space requirements. At the time,
Chrysler was occupying 200,000 square feet of floor
space at the Naval Industrial Reserve Aircraft Plant
(NIRAP) in Detroit, Michigan [Warren, Michigan-near
Sterling heights]. This space was devoted to
REDSTONE production, and a minimum of some
350,000 additional footage was needed for the IRBM
production program. There was more space in the
NIRAP building, but this was being used for jet-engine
production. Prompted by this fact, Rear Admiral W. F.
Raborn suggested that the Army seek other sites in
the Detroit area. Thereafter, conferences were held
and studies were made, and the choice usually turned
to the NIRAP installation, at least on a temporary
basis
21
.
______________________________
21. MFR for CG, ABMA, 7 Feb 56, subj: Conf Notes fr Mtg on Jet Engine Plant Facility held on 6 Feb 56; Minutes, JAN/BMC
Mtgs, 12 Mar, 12 Apr & 15 Nov 56, all in Hist Off files.
