![]() ![]() Furthermore, solid fuel is less volatile, does not leak, or require refrigeration. Moreover, solid fuel is generally considered more reliable – solid-fuel engines are generally less complex, which reduces the number of failure points and simplifies maintenance. This substantially reduced the time between receiving launch orders and the missile’s launch. Using solid fuel meant that the missile did not require fueling prior to launch, differentiating it from the Atlas and Titan I. ![]() Chief among these was the missile’s use of solid fuel. 1įor several reasons, the Minuteman I was America’s first modern ICBM. Air Force began the bidding and development process for the Minuteman I in 1958. ability to retaliate effectively. With this in mind, the U.S. The limitations of liquid-fueled, gantry-launched missiles, such as Atlas and Titan I sparked fears that a Soviet first strike could potentially negate the U.S. defense planners recognized their ICBM arsenal was becoming increasing vulnerable. ![]() Public display of the Minuteman I ICBM.Īs the Cold War progressed and missiles became more numerous and advanced, U.S.Minuteman I at a Glance Originated From United States Class Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) Possessed By United States Basing Silo-based Length 16.45 m Diameter 1.88 m Launch Weight 29,500 kg Payload Single warhead, Mk 11 RV Warhead W-59, 1 mT nuclear Propulsion Three-stage, solid propellant Range 10,000 km Status Obsolete In Service 1962-1969 ![]()
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