LGM-30
Minuteman III
Unofficial
names/slang: n/a
Function:
Intercontinental ballistic missile
Date
deployed: June 1970, production ended: December
1978
Contractor:
Boeing
Unit cost:
approx. $7,000,000
Length:
59' - 11"
Diameter:
5' - 6"
Speed:
approx. Approx. 15,000 mph (Mach 23) max.
Weight at
launch: 79,432 lbs
Guidance:
Inertial system: Boeing North American; ground
electronic/security system: Sylvania Electronics
Systems and Boeing Co.
Range:
approx. 6000 mi
Engine:
Three
solid-propellant rocket motors; first stage -
Thiokol; second stage - Aerojet-General; third stage
- United Technologies Chemical Systems Division
Warhead:
Lockheed Martin Missiles and Space MK 12 or MK 12A |
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Mission:
The LGM-30G Minuteman intercontinental ballistic
missile (ICBM) is an element of the nation's
strategic deterrent forces. The "L" in LGM
;is the Department of Defense designation for
silo-launched; "G" means surface attack;
and "M" stands for guided missile.
Features: The Minuteman is a strategic
weapon system using a ballistic missile of
intercontinental range. Missiles are dispersed in
hardened silos to protect against attack and
connected to an underground launch control center
through a system of hardened cables. Launch crews,
consisting of two officers, perform around-the-clock
alert in the launch control center.
A variety of communication systems provide the
president and secretary of defense with highly
reliable, virtually instantaneous direct contact
with each launch crew. Should command capability be
lost between the launch control center and remote
missile launch facilities, specially configured E-6B
airborne launch control center aircraft
automatically assume command and control of the
isolated missile or missiles. Fully qualified
airborne missile combat crews aboard airborne launch
control center aircraft would execute the
president's orders.
An extensive life extension program is under
way to keep the missiles safe, secure and reliable
well into the 21st century. These major programs
include: replacement of the aging guidance system,
remanufacture of the solid-propellant rocket motors,
replacement of standby power systems, repair of
launch facilities, and installation of updated,
survivable communications equipment, and new command
and control consoles to enhance immediate
communications.
Background: The Minuteman weapon system
was conceived in the late 1950s and Minuteman I was
deployed in the early 1960s. Minuteman was a
revolutionary concept and an extraordinary technical
achievement. Both the missile and basing components
incorporated significant advances beyond the
relatively slow-reacting, liquid-fueled,
remotely-controlled intercontinental ballistic
missiles of the previous generation. From the
beginning, Minuteman missiles have provided a
quick-reacting, inertially guided, highly survivable
component to America's nuclear Triad. Minuteman's
maintenance concept capitalizes on high reliability
and a "remove and replace" approach to
achieve a near 100 percent alert rate.
Through state-of-the-art improvements, the
Minuteman system has evolved to meet new challenges
and assume new missions. Modernization programs have
resulted in new versions of the missile, expanded
targeting options, improved accuracy and
survivability. Today's Minuteman weapon system is
the product of almost 40 years of continuous
enhancement.
The current Minuteman force consists of 500
Minuteman III's located at F.E. Warren Air Force
Base, Wyo., Malmstrom AFB, Mont., and Minot AFB,
N.D. The last round of base realignment and closing
decisions has forced a realignment of Minuteman
missiles from Grand Forks AFB, N.D., to Malmstrom
AFB.
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