MGM-5 Corporal

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	Weapon: MGM-5 Corporal Type: Rocket Artillery Country of Origin: United States Year Adopted: 1953 Overall Length (mm): 7600.0 Overall Length (in): 299.21 Weight (kg): 2300.00 Weight (pounds): 5070.63

The MGM-5 Corporal was the first guided missile in the U.S. Army's arsenal capable of carrying a nuclear warhead. Developed during the late 1940s and early 1950s, it was a surface-to-surface missile intended to strike targets up to 75 miles away with either high-explosive or tactical nuclear payloads. The Corporal's design incorporated liquid-fuel propulsion, which allowed for significant range and payload flexibility, but also introduced logistical challenges due to the complexity of fueling and launch preparation. Equipped with rudimentary guidance systems, the missile represented a significant technological leap in post-World War II military capabilities.

Production of the MGM-5 Corporal began in 1952, with over 1,100 units manufactured during its operational period. The missile saw deployment in Europe and was integrated into NATO forces as a key element of the alliance's tactical nuclear deterrence during the early Cold War. However, its service life was hampered by reliability issues, including problems with guidance accuracy and operational readiness. Despite these shortcomings, the Corporal was a pioneering system that provided valuable experience for future missile development and contributed to the evolution of U.S. military doctrine in the nuclear age.

The MGM-5 Corporal was retired in 1964, replaced by more advanced systems such as the MGM-29 Sergeant, which addressed many of its predecessor's limitations. While its notoriety stems from its role as a groundbreaking weapon in the early Cold War, the Corporal is also remembered for its operational challenges and the rapid obsolescence of its technology. Today, surviving examples of the missile can be found in military museums, symbolizing the nascent stages of guided missile technology and its impact on modern warfare.