Posted on 06/26/2010 11:18:54 PM PDT by ErnstStavroBlofeld
Minute Man II missile with a "replica" nuclear warhead was successfully launched from California's Vandenberg Air Force Base, officials said.
The National Nuclear Security Administration conducted the test in cooperation with the U.S. Air Force, an NNSA release said Thursday.
The test was to evaluate the overall performance of the U.S. intercontinental ballistic weapon system, NNSA said.
"This successful JTA (warhead) test illustrates NNSA's commitment to ensuring that all weapon systems perform as designed," said Brig. Gen. Garrett Harencak, NNSA Principal Assistant Deputy Administrator for Military Application.
"The continued strong cooperation between the NNSA and (the Department of Defense) is vital to U.S. national security."
Established by the U.S. Congress in 2000 under the Department of Energy, the NNSA maintains and enhances the safety, security, reliability and performance of the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile without nuclear testing, the release said.
(Excerpt) Read more at upi.com ...
Ping
All Minuteman missiles are solid fuelled rockts. Minuteman II missiles were retired in 2005 as part of the START I treaty.
Because solid propellant is so stable in storage, the missile can be stored almost indefinitely and yet be ready to launch on short notice
That was a Titan II missile.
That was a liquid-fueled Titan II.
That was Damascus Arkansas....not Kansas. Accident at Rock Kansas was a fuel leak. No explosion like the Damascus Arkansas incident where the W-53 was blown out of the silo.....
I was stationed at McConnell when Rock happened .... Worked AZ AR an KS titans....
W-53 .....9 megatons. !
Nite !
Preparation for Iran or North Korea? Hmmm...
The unofficial reason for for tests, is because they want test new warhead designs,new penetraition aids,missile defense and the reliability of the missile in combat.
576th Flight Test Squadron in Vandenberg AFB is involved in all testing
Heh... Yes, those unofficial reasons are always good to to pacify the public (may or may not be true). Was just speculating anyway. There are always good reasons to test when Countries get belligerent also...
Note: Vandenberg AFB is a nice place...heh.
I know. I have been there many times
Dang...my bad, you had the benefit of long term stay - heh! Me, I only had a few hours in transit to other places... Did get to see the area a bit though.
I spent a lot of training time there.
Ah... you are one lucky devil - heh! Like I said, it was a very nice place to transit but I’m sure it was a much better place to be stationed. Lovely state/country (forgetting about heavy taxes here) and I do envy your stay there...heh.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.