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Minuteman 3

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Minuteman 3 Credit: US Air Force

AKA: LGM-30G;Mk. 12A;W78. Status: Active. First Launch: 1968-08-16. Last Launch: 2018-11-07. Number: 306 . Payload: 1,000 kg (2,200 lb). Thrust: 935.00 kN (210,196 lbf). Gross mass: 35,400 kg (78,000 lb). Height: 18.23 m (59.80 ft). Diameter: 1.68 m (5.50 ft). Span: 1.89 m (6.20 ft). Apogee: 1,600 km (900 mi).

The Minuteman III increased the throw-weight of the missile by adding a larger constant-diameter third stage. This allowed the single warhead of earlier missiles to be replaced by a maneuvering bus that would dispense three Mk.12 Multiple Independent Re-entry Vehicles, each with a 170 kT W-62 thermonuclear warhead. Development began in July 1965; first launch was in August 1968, and 550 Minuteman III's were deployed between April 1970 and January 1977. A mid-1970s update provided the missile with an improved-guidance system and remote retargeting of the missiles. 300 missiles received an improved warhead section with three Mk.12A MIRVs with 340 kT W-78 warheads and improved decoys. These gave these Minuteman III's a hard-target kill capability against Soviet ICBM silos at the expense of reduced the range. Tests of a 7-MIRV version were undertaken in the 1970s, but arms treaty limits meant these were not deployed. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, arms treaties meant that 450 Minuteman III's, each equipped with a single warhead, provided the land-based deterrent of the United States through 2030. 350 of these missiles were equipped with single Mk. 21/W87 warheads; 150 with single Mk. 12A's.

Development Cost $: 2,694.600 million. Recurring Price $: 4.905 million in 1971 dollars. Flyaway Unit Cost 1985$: 2.900 million in 1971 dollars. Maximum range: 12,900 km (8,000 mi). Number Standard Warheads: 3. Standard RV: Mk. 12A. Standard warhead: W78. Warhead yield: 335 KT. CEP: 0.37 km (0.22 mi). Boost Propulsion: Solid rocket. Cruise engine: SR19-AJ-1. Maximum speed: 29,030 kph (18,030 mph). Initial Operational Capability: 1970. Total Number Built: 830. Total Development Built: 46. Total Production Built: 794.

Historical Essay © Andreas Parsch

Boeing SM-80-LGM-30 Minuteman 3

The LGM-30G Minuteman III was an improved LGM-30F with a new enlarged third stage (with the same diameter as the second stage), using an Aerojet SR73-AJ-1 motor, and a radically new warhead section. The warhead section carried three Mk.12 MIRV (Multiple Independent Reentry Vehicles), each with a 170 kT W-62 thermonuclear warhead. To use the MIRV capability effectively, a small post-boost liquid-fuel restartable rocket was incorporated in the warhead section. This rocket was used for course changes between the release of the individual Mk.12 RVs for truly independent targeting. A new guidance unit was also needed to control these manoeuvers. Development of the Minuteman III started in July 1965, and the first launch occurred in August 1968. Deployment began in April 1970, and eventually 550 LGM-30Gs were placed in silos, some of them as replacements for earlier Minuteman missiles. By 1969, the final LGM-30A, and by 1974, the final LGM-30B was retired.

In the mid-1970s, the LGM-30G received an updated guidance system, which improved accuracy. Additionally, the launch control centers were equipped with the possibility to retarget the missiles electronically - the earlier retargeting practice required physically changing a data tape in the missile's guidance computer. The more important change to the Minuteman III force was the installation of an improved warhead section (three Mk.12A MIRVs with 340 kT W-78 warheads and improved decoys) in 300 missiles. Improved accuracy of the Mk.12A, and the higher-yield warhead, gave the LGM-30G a hard-target kill capability against Soviet ICBM sites. However, the heavier warhead section also significantly reduced the range, so that not all possible targets in the Soviet Union could be reached. At some time in the 1970s, some test lauches with a new 7-MIRV warhead section were made, but this was not implemented in the operational force.

Production of the Minuteman ended in January 1977, after more than 2400 missiles had been built. Since then, many missiles were refurbished, because cracks in the solid fuel required a complete refill of the motors. The future of the Minuteman force is currently dictated by the current Strategic Arms Reduction Treaties (START). As a result of START, production and deployment of the LGM-118 Peacekeeper, originally developed as a Minuteman successor, has been halted. START II limits the land-based ICBM force to 500 single-RV missiles, so all LGM-30F Minuteman IIs have been retired or converted to single-RV Minuteman IIIs, and the remaining Minuteman IIIs are all converted to single warheads. The Minuteman is expected to remain in service until at least 2020.

The motors of retired Minuteman missiles are increasingly used to assemble cheap high-performance rockets for experimental and test purposes, like boosting targets or interceptor vehicles in the ongoing ballistic missile defense development program. Typical configurations include two-stage rockets, using either the first two, or final two (2nd-3rd) stages of Minuteman. The official designation NLGM-30F is allocated to Minuteman IIs converted to test vehicles.

Note: Data given by several sources show slight variations. Figures given below may therefore be inaccurate!

Data for LGM-30A-B-F-G (-30G with Mk.12 MIRVs):

[1] James N. Gibson: "Nuclear Weapons of the United States", Schiffer Publishing Ltd, 1996
[2] Bill Gunston: "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Rockets and Missiles", Salamander Books Ltd, 1979

• Mark 12 reentry vehicle - . General Electric began development of the Mark 12 reentry vehicle for use with both the Minuteman and Polaris/Poseidon weapon systems..

• Minuteman force cut from 1,200 to 1,000 - .

  The operational Minuteman force would number 1,000 missiles in six operational wings with a total of 20 squadrons by the end of FY1967 rather than the previously planned 1,200 missiles. The Office of the Secretary of Defense directed a Force Modernization program that would provide the Minuteman I wings with capabilities equivalent to those of the Minuteman II (LGM-30F). Force Modernization was to begin in July 1966, with retrofit to proceed on a squadron-by-squadron basis (later changed to wing-by-wing). Other improvements in the Minuteman systems were directed.

• Mark 12 MIRV approved. - . Minuteman program office approved the development of the Mark 12 multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle (MIRV) system..

• Post Boost Control System for Minuteman - .

  Ballistic Systems Division directed Autonetics Division of North American Aviation to proceed with the development of a Post Boost Control System for Minuteman. This would incorporate guidance, propulsion, and directional control of a reentry vehicle after it separated from the third-stage motor.

• Development of the Minuteman III approved - . Related Persons: , McNamara.

  Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara approved development of the Minuteman III (LGM-30G) to increase the future capability of the weapon system. The Minuteman III was to be based on the Minuteman II (LGM-30F) and grew out of the requirement to improve the LGM-30F third stage motor and to add the Mark 12 multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle (MIRV) reentry system. The Minuteman III would have an improved Third Stage, improved propulsion system, enlarged post boost control system, increased hardness throughout the missile, and a new, resized reentry system to provide greater target flexibility with the Mark 12 MIRV reentry system.

• Minuteman force of 1,000 missiles by 1972 approved. - . Related Persons: , McNamara.

  A new Minuteman Systems Management Directive was issued covering approved actions to implement the changes in the Minuteman program resulting from Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara's decision in approved Format B of 8 December. This SMD approved a Minuteman force of 1,000 missiles deployed in six wings with 20 squadrons by the close of FY1972. Production of the Mark 12 and Mark 17 reentry systems was approved along with other improvements in the Minuteman system.

• Minuteman III improvements authorized. - . Headquarters USAF gave Ballistic Systems Division the approval necessary to proceed with the development of the Mark 17 reentry vehicle, the Improved Third Stage (ITS)..

• Contract for Minuteman III development. - . Ballistic Systems Division used a contract change notice in the Boeing contract to incorporate the Minuteman III development into the Minuteman program..

• First Minuteman III third stage motor fired - . The first Minuteman III third stage development motor (TFW-3) was successfully static test fired by Thiokol..

• First flight test of the Airborne Launch Control System - . The first flight test of the Airborne Launch Control System (ALCS) was successfully conducted..

• Dual-capable silo for the Minuteman III weapon system. - .

  Headquarters USAF planners began to move away from the concept of the WS 120A Advanced ICBM missile system and toward the concept of a dual-capable silo for the Minuteman III weapon system. Using the basing concept devised for WS 120A, the new approach was to concentrate on the development of a silo that could hold the Minuteman III when it became operational and could later accommodate an advanced ICBM.

• Advanced ICBM Program dissolved. - . The Advanced ICBM (WS 120A) Provisional System Program Office (SPO) at Norton was dissolved; most personnel went to the Minuteman SPO as the core cadre for the Hard Rock Silo effort..

• Hard Rock Silo Program - .

  Headquarters USAF issued a System Management Directive (SMD) to initiate the Hard Rock Silo (HRS) Development Program for Minuteman III. The aim of the program was to develop and test a new, very hard basing system that would be compatible with an Advanced ICBM but initially used for Minuteman III. This SMD was the culmination of previous studies undertaken by the Defense Department and the Air Force on advanced ICBM systems.

• Research and development test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). The first 76,000-pound Minuteman III (LGM-30G) flight test missile (FTM 201) was launched from Silo 32 at Cape Canaveral and completed a successful flight 5,000 miles downrange. First Minuteman III flight test missile launched from Vandenberg AFB..

• Grand Forks AFB - . A High Explosive Simulation Test (HEST-V) was completed at Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota, to evaluate the effects of surface overpressure on a Minuteman launch facility and its equipment..

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). Minuteman III (LGM-30G) flight test missile (FTM) 301, the first test missile launched from Vandenberg but the fourth R&D missile to be fired, completed a 5,000-mile flight and impacted near the Marshall Islands. .

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Second supplier for Minuteman III guidance system. - . SAMSO awarded a contract to the Honeywell Aerospace Division, for the first time establishing a second source supplier for the Minuteman III missile guidance and control system..

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Minuteman force of 1,000 launchers and Minuteman 3 by 30 June 1970 - . An Air Force System Management Directive (SMD) confirmed a Minuteman force of 1,000 missile launchers and the introduction of the Minuteman III (LGM-30G) into the operational inventory by 30 June 1970.

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Coordinated Minuteman/Safeguard system. - . As directed by SAMSO, the Aerospace Corporation began an in-depth study of a coordinated Minuteman/Safeguard system..

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC.

• Minot AFB - . Force Modernization to the Minuteman III (LGM-30G) began at Wing III, the 91st Strategic Missile Wing, at Minot AFB, North Dakota..

• First operational Minuteman III completed - . The first operational Minuteman III (LGM-30G) was completed at Air Force Plant 77..

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC.

• Minuteman Rebasing Report. - . SAMSO published the Minuteman Rebasing Task Force Report that offered an analysis and cost projections of several optional solutions to the problem of maximizing Minuteman system survivability..

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Minot AFB - .

  The first flight of Minuteman III (LGM-30G) missiles was turned over to the 741st Strategic Missile Squadron of SAC's 91st Strategic Missile Wing at Minot AFB, North Dakota. Force Modernization involved refurbishment of Minuteman facilities to accommodate the Minuteman III configuration missile. Air Force Logistics Command (AFLC) also had its depot facilities ready to repair Minuteman III systems as of 19 June - this was the first time in the history of U.S. missile systems that initial operational capability (IOC) of a major new weapon system and depot repair capability were achieved simultaneously.

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Second source for Minuteman III third stage - .

  Thiokol Chemical Corporation was selected as a second source contractor for the Minuteman III third stage propulsion system. The other manufacturer of the motors was the Aerojet General Solid Rocket Company. Thiokol already produced the first-stage solid-propellant motors for Minuteman III, and Aerojet built Stage II motors.

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). The final flight test missile in the basic Minuteman III research and development program was launched from Vandenberg AFB. Twenty-five missiles had been launched in the program - eleven from Vandenberg and fourteen from Cape Canaveral. .

• Termination of the Hard Rock Silo program - . Headquarters USAF announced the termination of the Hard Rock Silo program for Minuteman..

• OLD FOX 01M demonstration and shakedown operations launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). The first Minuteman III flight test missile was launched from the Eastern Test Range in the follow-on test program. .

• OLD FOX 02M demonstration and shakedown operations launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• STM-1W research and development mission - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). The first Minuteman III follow-on R&D flight test missile was launched from Vandenberg AFB. .

• OLD FOX 03M demonstration and shakedown operations launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). The launch of the 91st Minuteman missile, a Minuteman III, from the Eastern Test Range marked the completion of Minuteman R&D testing at the range after almost 10 years of operations. .

• Minot AFB - .

  Force Modernization and emplacement of Minuteman III missiles were completed on the last flight of 741st Strategic Missile Squadron of SAC's 91st Strategic Missile Wing at Minot AFB, North Dakota. This marked the turnover of the first complete Minuteman III squadron to SAC. Formal turnover took place on 8 January 1971.

• Minot AFB - . The first squadron of Minuteman III (LGM-30G) ICBMs was officially turned over to SAC's 91st Strategic Missile Wing at Minot AFB, North Dakota..

• OLD FOX 04M demonstration and shakedown operations launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• OLD FOX 05M demonstration and shakedown operations launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• OT GT01GM operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). SAC launched the first Minuteman III Operational Test (Phase I) missile from Vandenberg AFB. .

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• OLD FOX 06F demonstration and shakedown operations launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Minuteman III missiles turned over to SAC. - . The final flight of the 740th Strategic Missile Squadron, the second Force Modernization squadron of Minuteman III missiles to be completed at Wing III, was turned over to the 91st SMW..

• OT GT03GM operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). A Minuteman III fired for a SAC Phase I Operational Test was the 350th Minuteman missile launched from Vandenberg AFB since September 1962. .

• OT GT02GM operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). A Minuteman III fired for a SAC Phase I Operational Test was the 350th Minuteman missile launched from Vandenberg AFB since September 1962. .

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• OT GT04GM operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• OT GT05GM operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• OT GT06GM operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• OT GT07GM operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• OT GT08GM operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• OT GT09GM operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Minot AFB - .

  The last flight of 10 Minuteman III missiles was turned over to the 742d Strategic Missile Squadron of SAC's 91st Strategic Missile Wing at Minot AFB, North Dakota. This completed Force Modernization at Minot and deployment of the first 150-missile Minuteman III (LGM-30G) strategic missile wing to SAC.

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• OT GT10GM operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• OT GT11GM operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• OT GT12GM operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• OT GT13GM operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Minuteman Upgrade Silo program. - . Headquarters USAF released the year's third Minuteman Program Management Directive (PMD) that authorized further actions in the continuing Upgrade Silo program..

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). The 6595th Missile Test Group launched the first Minuteman III Production Verification Missile (PVM) from Vandenberg..

• OT GT15GM operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• OT GT14GM operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Warren AFB - . The Improved Digital Computer Unit (IDCU) for Minuteman was deleted from the approved program at Wing V, Francis E. Warren AFB, Wyoming..

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• OT GT16GB operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• OT GT17GB operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). The 42d Minuteman III (LGM-30G) missile fired was the 400th Minuteman missile to be launched from Vandenberg AFB. By type, the total included 20 Minuteman IA, 193 LGM-30B, 115 Minuteman II, and 42 Minuteman III missiles. .

• First Minuteman III Modified Operational Missile test - . The first Minuteman III Modified Operational Missile (MOM) test was conducted at Vandenberg AFB..

• Minot AFB - . Headquarters USAF ordered the Improved Digital Computer Unit (IDCU) program experiment to be ended in December at Wing III, Minot AFB, North Dakota..

• OT GT18GB operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT41GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• OT GT20GB operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• OT GT19GB operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Research and development / operational test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Grand Forks AFB - . The 150th Minuteman III (LGM-30G) missile was emplaced in its silo at Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota.This completed the Wing VI F/G Changeout program..

• Warren AFB - .

  The Wing V Operational Snow Test was successfully completed at Francis E. Warren AFB with the firing of the Minuteman launcher closure door carrying a full-criteria load of snow and ice. This test verified the performance of the Upgrade Silo Program Launcher Closure System.

• OT GT21GB operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• OT GT22GB operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Minot AFB - . The last Minuteman III Modified Operational Missile (MOM) test was completed at Wing III, Minot AFB, North Dakota..

• PVM-4 test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). The 50th Minuteman III (LGM-30G) missile to be launched from Vandenberg was the third Production Verification Missile (PVM) fired by the Space and Missile Test Center (SAMTEC) in support of the Deputy for Minuteman (MN) PVM program. .

• Missile Suspension Systems - . The Boeing Company was awarded a $50.4 million contract for the Missile Suspension Systems (MSS) for Wings III, VI, and Squadron 20..

• Warren AFB - .

  The first flight of the 400th Strategic Missile Squadron of the 90th Strategic Missile Wing at Francis E. Warren AFB, Wyoming, was returned to SAC. The Wing V Integrated Program at Warren included Force Modernization, replacement of LGM-30Bs with Minuteman III missiles, installation of Command Data Buffer (CDB), Extended Survivability, and Upgrade Silo program modifications.

• Minuteman III stage responsibility transferred to AFLC. - . Engineering responsibility for Stages I, II, and the Propulsion System Rocket Engine (PSRE) of the Minuteman III was transferred from SAMSO's Deputy for Minuteman to AFLC's Ogden Air Materiel Area. SAMSO temporarily retained responsibility for Stage III..

• OT GT23GB operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT43GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• OT GT25GB operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Warren AFB - . The 400th Strategic Missile Squadron of the 90th Strategic Missile Wing was the first squadron to complete the Wing V Integrated Program..

• FOT GT42GM-1 Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• MARK12A Validation - . MARK12A Validation Phase Study directed by Program Management Directive R-P2134(2), dated 11 May 1973, was completed..

• Giant Patriot - .

  The Defense Department publicly announced its intention to conduct an eight-missile Operational Base Launch (OBL) program, Giant Patriot, subject to Congressional approval. This was subsequently canceled, and would have used configured Minuteman missiles launched from operational silos.

• OT GT24GB-1 operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• MARK12A - . An impact and capability study for MARK12A was submitted to HQ USAF by the Atomic Energy Commission Laboratories..

• Malmstrom AFB - . The Wing I Force Modernization Program at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Wyoming, was initiated..

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT44GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Minuteman III Stage III motors completed. - . Delivery of Minuteman III Stage III motors produced under Fiscal Year 1973 contract F04701-7O-C-0182, Option B, was completed..

• Minuteman operational targeting program. - . The Minuteman operational targeting program, Minuteman Operational Executive Program 3102.02 (MOTP 3102.02) was delivered to SAC as part of the command data buffer software program..

• The first SAC Targeting Support Software delivered. - .

  The first SAC Targeting Support Software 0400 (STSS 0400) was delivered to SAC and integrated testing was performed at SAC using Minuteman Operational Executive Program 3102. 02 (MOTP 3102.02), SAC Targeting Support Software 0400 (STSS 0400) and SAC Target Constant Reformating Verification 100 (STRIVE 100). The purpose was to demonstrate capability to generate non-command data buffer magnetic target tape equivalent utilizing this software.

• FOT GT45GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Minot AFB - . Wing III silo upgrade program began at Minot AFB, North Dakota..

• FOT GT46GB Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• OT GT28GM operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT47GB Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Malmstrom AFB - . Replacement of Minuteman II missiles with Minuteman III missiles began at Wing I, Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana..

• Warren AFB - .

  The last Wing V squadron was turned over to the Strategic Air Command to complete the Wing V integrated program at Francis E. Warren AFB, Wyoming, 20 days ahead of schedule. This program, the greatest single effort in the Minuteman program since the early days when the Minuteman I was placed in operation, included the swap-out of Minuteman I missiles for Minuteman Ills.

• FOT GT48GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• OT GT29GM-1 operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi).

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). Minuteman III Production Verification Missile 10 was successfully launched. This was the first Minuteman to be launched with the new Wing VI command data buffer hybrid explicit software. .

• PAVE PEPPER test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). Special Test Missile-9W (STM-9W) was the first Pave Pepper flight test. It was successful. The program was designed to evaluate the use of increased numbers of reentry vehicles on the Minuteman III missile. .

• OT GT30GM operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• OT GT31GM operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). Production verification missile (PVM)-ll was successfully launched from Vandenberg AFB to evaluate Stage III thrust termination capability of the hybrid explicit flight program..

• Malmstrom AFB - . With the completion of the Force Modernization Program at Squadron 20, Malmstrom AFB, Montana, there were 450 Minuteman II and 550 Minuteman III missiles under the operational control of SAC. The Force Modernization Program had lasted nine years..

• PAVE PEPPER test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). Special Test Missile (STM)-IOW was successfully launched from Vandenberg AFB. .

• Launch Equipment Room Full-Up Floor Test completed - .

  The final test of the Launch Equipment Room Full-Up Floor Test Program was completed at Vandenberg AFB. This test program began in January 1973 with tests of the complete Wing V upgraded floor shock isolation system with mass-simulated electronics (Block I) and continued with tests of the Wing V upgraded floor with operating electronics (Block II), tests of single isolators (Block III), and tests of a Wing VI upgraded floor with mass-simulated electronics (Block IV). The highly successful program not only qualified the upgraded floor to design criteria, but also demonstrated that the subsystem had inherently harder shock capability than was required.

• FOT GT49GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Grand Forks AFB - . The integrated program began at Wing VI, Grand Forks AFB, ND with the 447th SMS. The program included silo upgrade, electromagnetic pulse protection, command data buffer..

• FOT GT50GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Transfer of Minuteman III to AFLC - . Transfer of the basic Minuteman III missile series to AFLC was completed..

• FOT GT51GB Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). The first flight test of the operational hybrid explicit flight program was conducted successfully from Vandenberg AFB aboard PVM-12..

• OT GT26GM-4 operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi).

• Minuteman integrated program at Minot Air Force Base completed. - . The integrated program at Wing III, Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, was turned over to SAC.This program had included silo upgrade modifications..

• FOT GT52GB Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

  Production Verification Missile (PVM)-13 was successfully launched from Vandenberg AFB. It was the last flight of the Wing VI hybrid explicit program prior to it becoming operational. It also served as a development test and evaluation/initial operational test and evaluation flight for the upgrade Wing VI configuration.

• Mark 12A reentry vehicle - . The critical design review for the Mark 12A reentry vehicle was held..

• OT GT33GM operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT54GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• STM-11W test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

  The first flight of the Advanced Inertial Reference Sphere (AIRS) occurred on STM-11W from Vandenberg AFB. The purpose of the AIRS flight test was to demonstrate the technical feasibility of the floating ball reference sphere. The flight was successful. It was also the first flight of the missile performance measurement system.

• Prototype nosetip for Mark 12A reentry vehicle. - . A contract was awarded to Avco Corporation to develop an operational prototype carbon-carbon nosetip for the Mark 12A reentry vehicle..

• Minuteman launch facility response to nuclear blast predicted. - . The Structure-Media Interaction program, a 3-year project to establish prediction techniques for Minuteman launch facility response to nuclear blast and shock, was successfully completed..

• FOT GT55GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT56GB Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Malmstrom AFB - . The integrated program at Squadron 20, Malmstrom AFB, Montana, began. It included silo upgrade, the addition of command data buffer, electromagnetic pulse protection, and dust hardening..

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). Special Minuteman test flight STM-12W was launched from Vandenberg AFB. Among the tests included was an evaluation of various polyacylonitrile (PAN) fibers. It was the first Fly-2 flight test (dual NS20 IMU). .

• OT GT32GM-1 operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Mark 12A reentry vehicle. - . The Deputy for ICBMs authorized development of a baseline carbon-carbon nosetip for the Mark 12A reentry vehicle..

• FOT GT53GM-1 Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). Special Test Missile 13W, a Minuteman III, was launched from Vandenberg AFB down the Western Test Range. It deployed two Mark 12A Mod I reentry vehicles. All elements of the system performed satisfactorily. .

• OT GT27GM-2 operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Minuteman III guidance improvement program testing. - . System integration testing for the WS 133B Minuteman III guidance improvement program began at the Sylvania Integration Test Center in Needham, Massachusetts..

• Grand Forks AFB - . Upgrading of Wing VI was approved by SAMSO and Ogden ALC by Amendment 5 to the Minuteman III Engineering Transfer Package..

• FOT GT57GB Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Grand Forks AFB - . The integrated program of modifications to the Minuteman system was completed at Wing VI, Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota. The program was completed, and the last flight returned to SAC, 10 days earlier.

• Malmstrom AFB - . Work began on the integrated program of improvements to the Minuteman System at Wing I, Malmstrom AFB, Montana..

• Contract to Aerojet for Minuteman III Stage II motors. - . SAMSO awarded a FY 1977 contract to Aerojet Solid Propulsion Company for Production of Minuteman III Stage II motors. Production was limited to an initial increment of ten motors..

• Contract for Stage I and Stage II motors of Minuteman III. - . SAMSO released the FY 1977 production contract negotiated with Thiokol Chemical Corporation for Stage I and Stage II motors of Minuteman III..

• Minuteman III launch aborted. - . Special Test Missile 14W, a Minuteman III booster, was to be launched from Vandenberg AFB down the Western Test Range. The launch was aborted due to a malfunction in the Stage I safe and arm device..

• Request for'proposal for Mark 12A reentry system. - . SAMSO issued a request for'proposal to General Electric Company for initial procurement of the Mark 12A reentry system. The RFP was later revised to accommodate design changes..

• FOT GT58GB Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• OT GT34GM-1 operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Responsibility for the Minuteman III moved to AFLC. - . The Program Management Responsibility Transfer Working Group met at SAMSO to discuss transfer of engineering responsibility for the Minuteman III system to AFLC..

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

  Special Test Missile 14W-1, a Minuteman , III booster, was launched from Vandenberg AFB down the Western Test Range. It had been scheduled for launch on 5 May as STM 14W, but had been aborted because of a failure in the Stage I safe and arm device. The first stage motor was replaced for the launch on 16 June.

• Propulsion System Rocket Engines for the Minuteman III. - .

  SAMSO awarded a FY 1977 contract to Bell Aerospace Company for the production of 59 Propulsion System Rocket Engines for the Minuteman III. The contract was partially terminated on 11 July, then revised on 15 November to procure a total of 40 motors for the FY 1977 purchase.

• Minuteman III production cut - .

  SAMSO terminated production of Minuteman III components in compliance with a directive from Secretary of Defense Brown limiting Minuteman III production under FY 1977 procurement funds to ten missiles. Sixty missiles had originally been planned for FY 1977 procurement.

• Dormant Inertial Navigation System - . Spacecraft Bus: ABRES. Spacecraft: AMaRV. The Reentry Systems program office held a Preliminary Design Review of the design by Honeywell, Incorporated for the DINS (Dormant Inertial Navigation System)..

• FOT GT60GB Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT59GM-1 Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Malmstrom AFB - . The integrated program of improvements to the Minuteman system was completed at Squadron 20, Malmstrom AFB, Montana, and the last flight was turned back over to SAC..

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). Production Verification Missile 14, a Minuteman III, was launched from Vandenberg AFB down the Western Test Range. It successfully tested two Mark 12A reentry vehicles. .

• OT GT35GM operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Strike affects deployment of the Minuteman - . The International Association of Machinists went on strike against the Boeing Company, affecting plant production and deployment activities of the Minuteman system..

• Minuteman III production restart - . SAMSO was directed by AFSC to prepare plans for reestablishing FY 1977 Minuteman III procurement. Production had been halted in July by order of the Secretary of Defense, but Congress had intervened..

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). Production Verification Missile 15, a Minuteman III, was launched from Vandenberg AFB down the Western Test Range. It successfully tested two Mark 12A reentry vehicles. .

• Minuteman III production reinstated with FY 1977 funds. - . SAMSO reinstated Minuteman III production with FY 1977 procurement funds. Production had been halted in July by order of the Secretary of Defense after production of ten missiles..

• Strike causes a delay of 35 workdays in Minuteman modifications. - . The strike by the International Association of Machinists against the Boeing Company ended. The strike caused a delay of 35 workdays in the integrated program of Minuteman modifications..

• Mark 12A reentry system. - . General Electric Company submitted a revised proposal for initial production of the Mark 12A reentry system..

• Malmstrom AFB - . Amendment 6 to the Minuteman III Engineering Transfer Package, the instrument for the approval of the upgrading of Wing I, was given to Ogden ALC for formal approval..

• OT GT36GM operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Mark 12A reentry system to transfer to AFLC. - . The Program Management Responsibility Transfer Working Group met at SAMSO to discuss transfer of engineering responsibility for the Mark 12A reentry system to AFLC..

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

  Standard Test Missile 15W, a Minuteman III carrying three Mark 12A reentry vehicles, was successfully launched from Vandenberg AFB. The test provided data on the performance of experimental nosetip and heatshield materials and was the first to use complete Guidance Improvement Program software.

• Malmstrom AFB - . The upgrading of Wing I was approved by SAMSO and Ogden ALC by Amendment 6 to the Minuteman III Engineering Transfer Package..

• FOT GT62GB Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT61GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Production of the Mark 12A reentry system awarded. - . The initial production contract for the Mark 12A reentry system was formally awarded to General Electric. It was a cost-plus-incentive-fee contract worth $45,354,036..

• OT GT37GM operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Malmstrom AFB - .

  A group of independent welding experts, asked by SAMSO to evaluate criteria and workmanship of defective welds in Wing I and Squadron 20. They reported that SAMSO's acceptance standards had been realistic, that the welding done at Squadron 20 had been below normal industry standards, and that revised methods of welding and inspection should ensure a satisfactory product.

• Mark 12A reentry system. - . SAMSO issued a request for technical proposals for production of carbon-carbon nosetips for the Mark 12A reentry system..

• Minuteman III boosters begun - . Assembly of the Minuteman III boosters scheduled for delivery in CY 1978 was begun by the Boeing Aerospace Company at Hill AFB..

• Mark 12A report - . The Air Force Audit Agency issued a report on the Mark 12A acquisition program..

• FOT GT63GB Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). Standard Test Missile 16W, a Minuteman III carrying two Mark 12A reentry vehicles, was successfully launched from Vandenberg AFB. The test provided data on the performance of experimental nosetip and heatshield materials. .

• FOT GT64GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Delivery of the last Minuteman III stage II motors - . Delivery of the last Minuteman III stage II motors brought the total number of Minuteman III operational stage II motors delivered to 792..

• Minuteman III software updates completed - . Deployment of the Guidance Improvement Program tapes containing software changes to Minuteman III guidance programs was successfully completed in all Minuteman III wings..

• FOT GT65GB Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Mark 12A reentry system. - .

  SAMSO awarded a contract to Avco Systems Division for production of carbon-carbon nosetips for the Mark 12A reentry system. A small business set-aside contract to Fiber Materials, Incorporated was subsequently voided. A total of 1,071 nosetips were to be produced by Avco for a total price of $11,998,739.

• Minuteman restructured communications program. - . Minuteman Program Management Directive 0-02047(26) and Titan PMD X-08071(l) provided direction for a restructured command and control communications integration program..

• New communications system for Minuteman launch control centers. - . SAMSO awarded contracts for the installation of the 616A communications system in Minuteman launch control centers as the first phase of the restructured Command and Control Communications program..

• Minuteman post-attack command and control system initiated - . The Airborne Launch Control System Phase III program, to provide a Minuteman post-attack command and control system, was formally initiated with the award of contracts by SAMSO for system requirements.

• Concurrent development and production of the Mark 12A - . A report by the General Accounting Office to the Secretary of Defense criticized concurrent development and production in the Mark 12A program..

• Last Minuteman III stage III motors produced. - . Delivery of the last Minuteman III Propulsion System Rocket Engines brought the total number of such engines delivered by the Bell Aerospace Company to 794..

• Mark 12A reentry system - . SAMSO negotiated the second and third year production contract for the Mark 12A reentry system with General Electric..

• Assembly of the last Minuteman III missile completed. - . Assembly of the last Minuteman III missile to be produced was completed by personnel of the Boeing Aerospace Company at Air Force Plant 77, Hill AFB, Utah..

• OT GT38GM operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). Standard Test Missile 17W, a Minuteman III carrying three Mark 12A reentry vehicles, was successfully launched from Vandenberg AFB. The test provided data on the performance of experimental nosetip and heatshield materials. .

• Minuteman III transferred to AFLC - . The final transfer of engineering responsibility for the Minuteman III system from SAMSO to the Air Force Logistics Command took place..

• The development of the Mark 12A RV completed. - . The development phase of the Mark 12A program was completed except for the contractor's reports. The development contract with General Electric had been valued at approximately $70 million..

• FOT GT66GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Malmstrom AFB - . The integrated program of improvements to Minuteman ground systems was completed at Wing I and the sites were returned to the custody of SAC..

• FOT GT67GB Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). A Minuteman III production verification missile (PVM-16) was launched from Vandenberg AFB to the Kwajalein missile range. It successfully deployed three Mark 12A reentry vehicles. .

• Minuteman airborne launch control system underfunded. - . Program Management Directive 0-02047(30) advised of an OSD-approved budget for the Minuteman airborne launch control system (ALCS) which was far below SAMSO's estimated minimum funding requirements..

• OT GT39GM operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• 120 additional Mark 12A reentry systems. - . SAMSO released a request for proposal (RFP) to General Electric, asking for a bid on production of 120 additional Mark 12A reentry systems..

• Mark 12A - . Avco successfully completed a physical configuration audit (PCA) for production of Mark 12A carbon-carbon nosetips, and delivery of the nosetips proceeded on schedule..

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). A Minuteman III production verification missile (PVM-17) was launched from Vanden-berg AFB to the Kwajalein missile range. It successfully deployed two Mark 12A reentry vehicles. .

• Minuteman C equipment integration. - . HQ USAF directed the configuration of the installation of Minuteman C equipment integration..

• Minuteman Airborne Launch Control System - . The Minuteman Airborne Launch Control System (ALCS) Phase III underwent a successful system design review (SDR) at the Boeing facility..

• Minot AFB - . A successful technical acceptance demonstration (TAD) of the Mark 12A reentry system was held at Minot AFB, North Dakota with a newly installed Mark 12A trainer..

• OT GT40GM operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT68GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT69GB Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Minuteman C system - . SAMSO completed a successful system design review (SDR) of the WS-133A-M Minuteman C system and the common hardware developed by Boeing..

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

  A Minuteman III standard test missile (STM 18-W) was launched from Vandenberg AFB to the Kwajalein missile range. This was the last of ten Minuteman III test flights designed to verify Mark 12A design objectives and the first operational test and evaluation demonstration for the operational Mark 12A system. The test was partially successful.

• FOT GT70GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Minuteman Airborne Launch Control System halted - . All work on the Minuteman Airborne Launch Control System (ALCS) Phase III halted while SAMSO waited for further direction and funding..

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT71GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT72GB Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT73GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT74GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT76GB Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT77GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT78GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT79GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT80GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT81GB Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT75GM-2 Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT82GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT83GB Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT84GM-1 Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT85GB Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT86GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT87GB Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT88GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT89GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT90GB Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT91GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT92GB Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

• FOT GT93GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT94GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT95GB Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT96GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT97GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT98GB Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT99GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT100GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT101GB Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT102GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT103GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT104GB Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT105GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT106GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

• FOT GT107GB Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT109GB Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT108GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT110GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT111GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT112GB Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT114GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT113GM-1 Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT115GB Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT116GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT117GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT118GB Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT119GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT120GB Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT121GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• IPMS - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT122GB-1 Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT123GM-1 Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

• IPMS - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT124GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT125GB-1 Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT127GB Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT128GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT126GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT130GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT131GB Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT132GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT133GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT129GB-2 Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT134GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT135GB Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT136GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT137GB Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT139GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT138GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT140GB Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT141GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT142GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT144GB Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT143GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT145GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT146GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT147GM-1 Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT148GB Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF ACC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT149GB Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF ACC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT150GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF ACC. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi).

• FOT GT151GB Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF ACC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Warren AFB - . Nation: USA. Air Force Space Command assumed responsibility for intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) mission from Air Combat Command (ACC), and gained F.E. Warren AFB, Wyoming..

• FOT GT152GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSPC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT153GB Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSPC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT154GB Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSPC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT155GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSPC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Malmstrom AFB - . Nation: USA. Air Force Space Command gained Malmstrom AFB, Montana..

• FOT GT156GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSPC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Malmstrom AFB - . 150 Minuteman II silos taken off alert status under Start I Treaty and their missiles removed. 50 silos were fitted with Minuteman III missiles, and together with the existing 50 Minuteman III silos left 100 of the missile operational at Malmstrom AFB..

• FOT GT157GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSPC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT158GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSPC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT159GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSPC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT161GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSPC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT162GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSPC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT160GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSPC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT163GB Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSPC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT164GM/SHARP Re-entry Vehicle test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSPC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT165GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSPC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT166GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSPC. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi).

• FOT GT167GB Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSPC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• GRP-IDF-1 test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSPC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). Two Minuteman 3 missiles launched from Vandenberg to Kwajalein Atoll, one from silo LF-09 and the second from LF-10. Each carried three re-entry vehicles..

• FOT GT168GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSPC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). FOT. Part of dual Minuteman 3 shot..

• GRP-IDF-2 test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSPC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Grand Forks AFB - . Nation: USA. 321st Missile Group at Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota, inactivated as part of the ICBM drawdown..

• FOT GT169GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSPC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• RCT-1 GT170GM/RRF-6 operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSPC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT171GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSPC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• PRP FTM-01 test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSPC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• PRP FTM-02 test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT172GM Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSPC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• SHARP operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSPC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). RCT-2 FOT, 20 decoys.

• RCT-2 FOT, 20 decoys/Target missile - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSPC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• GT175GB Functional Dependency gate operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSPC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• GT176GM Functional Dependency gate operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSPC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). Successful Minuteman 3 operational test flew from Vandenberg to Kwajalein..

• GT178GM Functional Dependency gate operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSPC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• GT179GM - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSPC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). Functional Dependency gate operational test launch - Test Flight, Guidance & Reentry Technologies.

• GT177GM Functional Dependency gate operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSPC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• GT180GM Functional Dependency gate operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSPC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• GT182GM Functional Dependency gate operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSPC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• GT183GB Functional Dependency gate operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSPC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• GT181GM Functional Dependency gate operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSPC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). Delayed from May.

• GT185GM Functional Dependency gate operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSPC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). Missile Test Flight. Delayed from February..

• GT184GM? Functional Dependency gate operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSPC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FDEP GT186GM - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSPC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). ICBM test, delayed from February..

• SERV-1 - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSPC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). Delayed from June. SERV-1 warhead technology test with Mk. 21 warhead..

• SERV-2 FDEP GT188GM - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSPC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• GT-187GM-1 operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSPC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). Minuteman operational missile test. Delayed from February 9, March 23, 25 and 26. Initial missile replaced after contamination by rain on March 22. Failed to launch on April 27 and June 1. 2 dummy warheads..

• GT-188GM operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSPC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• SERV-3 Mk 21 - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSPC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• GT-190GM FDEP operational test launch - Guam - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSPC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• GT-191GM FDEP operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSPC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• GT-192GM FDEP operational test launch - 3 RV's - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSPC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• GT-193GM 1 RV operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSPC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• GT196GM (1 Mk 21 RV) - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• GT197GM (1 RV) Guam - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• GT194GM-1(3 RV) - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• GT198 RV-1 - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF.

• Minuteman 3 test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). Op Test.

• Mk 12 RV? GT195 - . Mass: 1,300 kg (2,800 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Operational test.

• GT200-GM1 - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). Operational test launch.

• GT201GM RV - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). Operational test launch.

• GT202GM - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). Operational test. Impacted 320 km southwest of Guam..

• GT204 RV - . Nation: USA. Operational test; single reentry vehicle from Vandenberg to Kwajalein..

• GT205 RV - . Nation: USA. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). Test mission. Destroyed over the Pacific five minutes into flight..

• GT206GM - . Nation: USA. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). Operational test..

• Mk 21 RV - . Nation: USA. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). Operational test mission..

• GT207GM - . Nation: USA. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). Operational test. Reentry vehicle splashed down in Kwajalein Atoll..

• Mk 21 RV? - . Nation: USA. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). Operational test.

• Mk 21 RV? - . Nation: USA. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). Operational test.

• GT210GM - . Nation: USA. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). Operational test.

• Mk 12/21 RV? - . Nation: USA. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). Operational test..

• GT214GM - . Nation: USA. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). Maximum range test flight to the Guam target area instead of the usual Kwajaelein area..

• GT215GM - . Nation: USA. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). Maximum range test flight to the Guam target area instead of the usual Kwajaelein area..

• GT212GM - . Nation: USA. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). Test flight..

• GT213GM RV - . Nation: USA. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). Operational test mission. Impacted Kwajalein..

• GT216GM RV - . Nation: USA. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). Training mission. Impacted Kwajalein..

• GT217GM - . Nation: USA. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). Test mission. Impacted in Kwajalein..

• GT218GM - . Nation: USA. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). Test mission. Impacted in Kwajalein..

• GT219GM - . Nation: USA. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). Operational test mission. Impacted in Kwajalein..

• RV x 3? - . Nation: USA. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). Test mission. Impacted in Kwajalein..

• GT220GM RV - . Nation: USA. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). Test mission. Impacted Kwajalein..

• GT222GM RV - . Nation: USA. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). Test mission. Impacted Kwajalein..

• GT223GM - . Nation: USA. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). Test mission. Impacted Kwajalein..

• Mk 12 or 21 RV? - . Nation: USA. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). Test mission. Impacted Kwajalein?..

• Mk 12 or 21 RV? - . Nation: USA. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). Test mission. Impacted Kwajalein?..

• GT225GM - . Nation: USA. Apogee: 200 km (120 mi). Test mission. Destroyed, fell in Pacific.

• GT228GM - . Nation: USA. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). Operational Test. Impacted Kwajalein?.