On August 11, the U.S. Air Force test-launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) from Vandenberg Space Force Base in southern California. The test, designated Glory Trip-239, was successful with a test reentry vehicle landing 6,700 km downrange near Kwajalein Atoll in the Pacific Ocean. USAF officials said the launch was “not a...
On May 5, the U.S. Air Force aborted a planned LGM-30G Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test launch. According to Air Force Global Strike Command, “the missile computer detected a fault in the sequence of checks it does prior to launching. Upon detection of this fault, it shut itself down.” The failed test comes...
On February 23, the U.S. Air Force test launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. In a press release, the Air Force stated the launch demonstrated the United States’ “ability to provide safe, secure range operations…while maintaining a continuous state of readiness.” The United States previously tested...
On October 29, the U.S. Air Force test launched a Minuteman III ICBM from Vandenberg Air Force Base in Southern California. In a press release, the Air Force stated that the test “verifi[ed] the accuracy and reliability of the ICBM weapon system,” which travelled 6,700 km to Kawajalein Atoll in the South Pacific. The Air...
On September 2, the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command test launched an unarmed Minuteman III ICBM from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. The missile traveled approximately 6,760 km to its target in the Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands. The USAF last test fired the Minuteman III in August 2020. Related Links: Unarmed Minuteman III test...
On August 4, the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command test launched an unarmed Minuteman III ICBM from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. The missile was equipped with three test reentry vehicles and traveled about 6,760 km to its target in the Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands. The USAF last test fired the Minuteman III in...
On February 5, the U.S. Air Force test launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) from Vandenberg Air Force Base in southern California. Designated FTU-2, the flight test validated a new explosive fuze for the Minuteman’s W87 nuclear warhead. FTU-2 is the second of four planned tests of the fuze, with the last...
On October 2, the U.S. Air Force tested an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. In a news release, the USAF stated that the ICBM flew over 6,700 km, landing in waters near Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands. The launch was not scheduled in response to recent...
On July 25, Boeing announced it would withdraw its bid to produce the Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD), a system intended to replace the Air Force’s Minuteman III ICBMs. In a statement, Boeing said “the current acquisition approach does not provide a level playing field for fair competition,” leaving Northrop Grumman as the sole bidder for...
On July 16, the U.S. Air Force released a request for proposals for the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD), its next-generation intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). The GBSD is intended to replace the Minuteman III ICBMs currently in service. Under the solicitation, one prime contractor—either Boeing or Northrop Grumman—will produce the first 5 lots of the...
