LGM-30 Minuteman Ⅲ

摘要

Minuteman Ⅲ is a three-stage, solid propellant, silo-based intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM); Minuteman Ⅰ and Minuteman Ⅱ have been retired. Minuteman Ⅲ was equipped with a MIRV (multiple independently re-entry vehicle) with three warheads but under current treaty obligations, is being converted to a single reentry vehicle (SRV) missile. Boeing Aerospace and Electronics was responsible for the assembly, test, and installations of the Minuteman weapon systems. The Minuteman system is no longer being built, but a major upgrade program is taking place on the missiles in service. Minuteman has been the prime nuclear deterrent for the US during the last quarter century, and will continue in this role to the year 2020. The current effort is focused on keeping the Minuteman viable for next two decades. The force now consists of 500 deployed Minuteman Ⅲ missiles.