LGM-30 Minuteman

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	Weapon: LGM-30 Minuteman Type: Rocket Artillery Country of Origin: United States Year Adopted: 1959 Overall Length (mm): 18300.0 Overall Length (in): 720.47 Weight (kg): 35000.00 Weight (pounds): 77161.79

The LGM-30 Minuteman is an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) developed by the United States during the Cold War to serve as a key component of its nuclear deterrence strategy. The missile's design introduced the concept of solid-fuel propulsion, making it significantly more reliable and faster to launch compared to liquid-fueled counterparts. Equipped with an advanced guidance system, the Minuteman series could deliver nuclear warheads with exceptional accuracy over intercontinental ranges, solidifying its role as a cornerstone of strategic defense.

First entering service in the early 1960s, the Minuteman missile underwent several upgrades, resulting in three main variants: Minuteman I, II, and III. Over 1,000 missiles were deployed at the peak of its production, housed in hardened silos across the United States. The Minuteman III, introduced in 1970, remains in active service, representing a significant technological leap with its multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle (MIRV) capability, allowing a single missile to strike multiple targets.

The Minuteman missile gained notoriety as a symbol of the nuclear arms race and the delicate balance of power during the Cold War. Its ability to launch on short notice and its survivability in fortified silos underscored the principles of mutually assured destruction (MAD). Even after the end of the Cold War, the Minuteman III continues to play a vital role in the U.S. nuclear triad, with ongoing modernization efforts ensuring its operational effectiveness well into the 21st century.