What is Minuteman III Missile?

About Minuteman III Missile:

• The LGM-30G Minuteman III is an American Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM).
• "L" in LGM is the US Department of Defense designation for silo-launched; "G" means surface attack; and "M" stands for guided missile.
• It first became operational in the early 1970s. 
• It is the sole land-based component of the U.S. nuclear triad.
• It was designed and manufactured by the Boeing Corporation. 
• Originally, it was only supposed to be kept in service for about ten years, but instead, it has been modernized as its replacement, the Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD), is due to become available for use in 2029.
• It was the first U.S. missile fitted withmultiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles (MIRVs).
• The United States currently has an estimated 440 Minuteman III missiles in its arsenal.
• Features:
  • It is a three-stage, solid-fuel missile.
  • The missile is 18.2 m long with a diameter of 1.85 m and a launch weight of 34,467 kg.
  • Speed: Approximately 15,000 mph (Mach 23 or 24,000 kph) at burnout (Hypersonic).
  • It has a maximum range of 13,000 km and is capable of carrying a payload of three re-entry vehicles.
  • It now carries a single nuclear warheadpursuant to arms control agreements between the United States and Russia. 
  • The Minuteman missiles are dispersed in hardened silos and connected to an underground launch control center through a system of hardened cables. 
  • It has a fast launch time, nearly 100 percent testing reliability, and backup airborne launch controllers to preserve retaliatory capabilities.