LGM-30G Minuteman III
USA1970 - Present
The Minuteman III is the sole land-based ICBM in the US nuclear arsenal. A three-stage, solid-fueled missile deployed in 400 hardened silos across three US states, it has been continuously upgraded for over 50 years.
Primary Specifications
Range
13000 km
Full intercontinental coverage
Speed
Mach 23
Standard ICBM reentry speed
Propulsion
Solid-fueled, Three-stage
Three-stage solid rocket motor
Weight
34467 kg
Silo-based launch weight
Payload
1000 kg
Reduced payload under arms treaties
Primary Guidance
Advanced inertial
Quick Summary
What it is?
A silo-based intercontinental ballistic missile
Who uses it?
US Air Force Global Strike Command
Role
Land-based strategic nuclear deterrent
What's different?
The only US land-based ICBM - can launch within minutes from hardened silos with single W87 (300 kt) or W78 (335 kt) warhead
Why it matters?
Provides rapid-response nuclear capability and forces adversaries to target dispersed silos, complicating their attack planning.
Real-World Impact
1
Rapid Launch
Can launch within minutes of presidential order - the fastest nuclear response option
2
Silo Hardened
Underground silos designed to survive nearby nuclear blasts, ensuring retaliatory capability
3
Force Dispersion
400 missiles across 3 states force enemies to expend many warheads to destroy them
4
Proven Reliability
Regular test launches validate readiness with nearly 100% test success rate
Additional Features
Secondary Systems
NS50 guidance system
Special
Silo-based
FAQs
1. Why is it called 'Minuteman'?
Named after colonial minutemen of the American Revolution, who could be ready to fight on short notice - reflecting the missile's rapid launch capability.2. How many are deployed?
3. Why only one warhead now?
4. What replaces Minuteman?
5. How deep are the silos?
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