he LGM-30 Minuteman III, built by Boeing, is an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) being used by the US Air Force Combat Command. The Minuteman III is a vital component of the US strategic deterrent forces and the inventory is controlled by the Air Force Global Strike Command.
Minuteman III is a long-range, solid-fuel, three-stage ICBM with the capability to carry single or multiple nuclear warheads. The missile is powered by three solid-fuel rocket engines and weighs 36,030kg (79,432lb). It has a range of more than 6,000mi (5,218 nautical miles) and speed of approximately 24,000km/h (15,000mph) at burnout.
LGM-30 Minuteman missile versions
The Minuteman missile programme began in 1958 and the first missile in the series, Minuteman I, was test-launched in February 1961. Minuteman II, the second version in the series, was launched in 1964. Unlike its predecessor, the missile was considerably advanced to strike multiple targets with high accuracy.
Minuteman III made its debut in 1968 demonstrating better accuracy, range and target capability. The US Air Force currently stockpiles 450 Minuteman III missiles.
Payload details of LGM-30 Minuteman III
The payload Mark 12 re-entry system comprises a payload mounting platform, penetration aids, three re-entry vehicles (RVs) and an aerodynamic shroud. The shroud shields the RVs during the early phases of flight. The payload mounting platform or payload bus integrates restartable hypergolic rocket engine using monomethyl-hydrazine and nitrogen tetroxide.
Warhead of LGM-30 Minuteman III missile
LG-Minuteman III had three re-entry vehicles (RVs) though which it could independently aim at different targets within its overall target area or 'footprint'. The concept is termed as multiple independently targeted re-entry vehicles (MIRV). It has, however, been reduced to one under the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (Start) II signed between the US and Russia.
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