160220-F-IN231-003.JPG

The US Air Force (USAF) Global Strike Command Airmen has tested an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) installed with a test re-entry vehicle from Vandenberg Air Force Base (AFB), California.

The ICBM’s re-entry vehicle consisted of a telemetry package used for operational testing. The vehicle travelled around 4,200 miles to the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

This test launch was aimed at verifying accuracy and reliability of the ICBM weapon system, providing valuable data to ensure a safe, secure and effective nuclear deterrent.

USAF 576th Flight Test Squadron (FLTS) commander colonel Craig Ramsey, said: "The flight test program demonstrates one part of the operational capability if the ICBM weapon system.

"When coupled with the other facets of our test program, we get a complete picture of the weapon system’s reliability.

"But perhaps most importantly, this visible message of national security serves to assure our partners and dissuade potential aggressors."

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.
"This visible message of national security serves to assure our partners and dissuade potential aggressors."

Under the direction of the 576th FLTS, Vandenberg AFB, the launch team included airmen from the 91st Missile Wing at Minot AFB, North Dakota, and the 625th Strategic Operations Squadron (STOS) at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska.

The data collected from this mission will be used by the US Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, and US Strategic Command to continue force development evaluation.

USAF 91st MW Task Force Director of Operations major Keith Schneider said: "It has been an amazing experience for the operations and maintenance members of Team Minot to partner with the professionals from the 576th FLTS, 30th SW and 625th STOS. Everyone involved has worked hard and dedicated themselves to the mission."

In May last year, USAF completed a similar test launch at the Vandenberg AFB.

Image: An unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile. Photo: US Air Force / Michael Peterson.