Uploaded December 2020 | Updated September 2026, 3 days ago
This 1980 U.S. Air Force film instructs how to transfer propellant into a Titan II Intercontinental Ballistic Missile. Technicians are seen wearing a Rocket Fuel Handler's Coverall Outfit (RFHCO), also known as a "refco" suit. Air Force Propellant Transfer System technicians wore suits like this in the 1960s-1980s. The vapor-proof rubber suit was fire-resistant and completely enclosed the body when worn with a helmet, gloves, and boots.
Such suits were also known as a Self Contained Atmospheric Protective Ensemble, commonly called a SCAPE suit.
The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force web site has more about these rocket fuel handlers' suits at https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/Museum-Exhibits/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/1359028/rocket-fuel-handlers-exhibit/.
The film is undated, but a June 1984 DOD audiovisual catalog on page C-163 dates the film as 1980:
https://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a268219.pdf
The Titan II ICBM was in service from 1963 through 1987.
Visit our web site at www.afspacemuseum.org. We're on Twitter at @afspacemuseum.
DVD_0136UMATIC
This 1980 U.S. Air Force film instructs how to transfer propellant into a Titan II Intercontinental Ballistic Missile. Technicians are seen wearing a Rocket Fuel Handler's Coverall Outfit (RFHCO), also known as a "refco" suit. Air Force Propellant Transfer System technicians wore suits like this in the 1960s-1980s. The vapor-proof rubber suit was fire-resistant and completely enclosed the body when worn with a helmet, gloves, and boots.
Such suits were also known as a Self Contained Atmospheric Protective Ensemble, commonly called a SCAPE suit.
The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force web site has more about these rocket fuel handlers' suits at https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/Museum-Exhibits/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/1359028/rocket-fuel-handlers-exhibit/.
The film is undated, but a June 1984 DOD audiovisual catalog on page C-163 dates the film as 1980:
https://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a268219.pdf
The Titan II ICBM was in service from 1963 through 1987.
Visit our web site at www.afspacemuseum.org. We're on Twitter at @afspacemuseum.
DVD_0136UMATIC
