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| Science & Technology |
| US shuts down Minutemen III motor production line - worries.. |
| 2008-09-20 |
| However, if you want to build a defense posture based on deterrence, then you have to maintain a credible deterrent. In other words, potential aggressors have to be convinced that no matter what they throw at you in a surprise attack, you can retaliate with devastating force. Unfortunately, recent revelations about U.S. Air Force nuclear surety practices have called into question whether the strategic deterrence mission is still getting the high-level attention it deserves. The U.S. Air Force has decided to further compromise the credibility of our nuclear deterrent by ceasing production of Minuteman missile motors next year for the first time since construction began 50 years ago. Once production ceases, skills unique to the Minuteman will quickly wither away. And yet the service cannot prove today that its missiles will remain workable until 2030, as mandated by law. That evidence will not be available until 2014, long after production capability to respond to any performance shortfalls has disappeared. |
| Posted by:3dc |
| #3 The rockets are being converted to a satellite launcher role, and their warheads put on M3s. Waste not, want not. Still in all, it is long past time for a new model. |
| Posted by: Anonymoose 2008-09-20 18:07 |
| #2 ...Did we actually destroy the Peacekeeper ICBMs or were they just decommissioned? Mike |
| Posted by: Mike Kozlowski 2008-09-20 16:30 |
| #1 The LGM-30 is rapidly becoming antiquated. Having been in service since 1970, an upgrade from late 1950s technology, a modern version ICBM would be as different as a Porsche 911 is from a Model T Ford. Quite literally, as Model T's were still being made in 1927, and Porsche 911 in 1963 - just 36 years later. And the Minuteman 3 was made in 1970 - 38 years ago. |
| Posted by: Anonymoose 2008-09-20 11:47 |