This letter `` C '' stood for `` coffin '' or `` Container '' , the rocket being stored in a semi-hardened container ; it was prepared for launch by being raised and fueled in the open .

The missile was originally given the military designation `` XB-65 '' , thus making it a bomber ; from NUMBER@1 it was redesignated `` SM-65 '' and , from NUMBER@2 , it became `` CGM-16 '' . This letter `` C '' stood for `` coffin '' or `` Container '' , because the rocket was stored in a semi-hardened container ; it was prepared for launch by being raised and fueled in the open .
