By Eliza Popova
This launch has become part of a program of confirmation of the reliability and combat readiness of the strategic forces of nuclear restraint of the United States. It is reported that a rocket, equipped with telemetry for data collection, flew 6 760 kilometers and struck a conditional target at the Ronald Reagan testing ground in Marshall's islands. The US Air Force command noted that the data collected during the test would help further modernize the Strategic Arsenal of America.
At the same time, the commander of the 377th test unit Dustin Harmon emphasized the importance of testing to maintain the technical condition of the IBR and preparation for the transition to a new LGM-35a Sentinel missile. Minuteman III remains the only land base in the US arsenal, complementing a nuclear triad consisting of Trident II (D5) missiles on submarines and B-2 and B-52 strategic bombers.
Adopted in 1970, Minuteman III rocket became the first US IBR to carry multi -recharge warheads (MIRV). Initially, it could carry up to three W62 warheads (170 CT), but now, according to arms control agreements, it is equipped with one W78 warhead (335 CT) or W87 (300 CT). The main characteristics of Minuteman III: Viewers have added that the US Air Force continue the process of modernizing strategic forces, preparing to replace Minuteman III with LGM-35a Sentinel.
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