The LGM-30 Minuteman is a United States nuclear missile, a land-based intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). As of 2007, it is the only land-based ICBM in service in the United States. It is complemented by the sea-launched Trident missile SLBM and by nuclear weapons carried by long-range strategic bombers; see current status of United States nuclear weapons.
The “L” indicates that the missile is silo-launched; the “G” indicates that it is designed to attack ground targets; the “M” indicates that it is a guided missile.
The name “Minuteman” comes from the Revolutionary War’s Minutemen. The Air Force planned to keep the missile in service until 2020, but it may be upgraded to stay in service until 2040.
Minuteman III ICBM
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By kjfitz @ 2007-09-26 17:28:12