Vandenberg Air Force Base/Space Command has set the date for the next Minuteman
III Intercontinental Ballistic Missile test launch. It is scheduled for World Peace Day,
Wednesday, September 21.
The LGM-30 Minuteman is a U.S. land-based nuclear tipped intercontinental ballistic
missile (ICBM). As of 2010, the LGM-30G Minuteman-III is the only land-based ICBM
in service in the United States. It is one component of a nuclear triad, which is
complemented by the Trident submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) and by
nuclear weapons carried by long-range strategic bombers.
The letter “L” in “LGM” indicates that the missile is land 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. It also refers to its quick reaction time; the missile can be launched
in approximtely 1 minute. The Air Force plans to keep the missile in service
until at least 2030.
The current U.S. force consists solely of 450 Minuteman-III missiles in missile
silos around F.E. Warren AFB, Wyoming; Malmstrom AFB, Montana; and Minot AFB,
North Dakota.
These tests violate the spirit and intent of the Nuclear Non Proliferation
Treaty and make the world a more dangerous place. Please include a protest
against this launch in all Sept. 21 World Peace Day events.
Posted: August 26th, 2011 under News, Uncategorized.
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