Object Details
- Manufacturer
- Rockwell International Corporation
- Summary
- The Minuteman III is a solid-fueled, intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), which the U.S. Air Force first deployed in the 1960s. The guidance system, contained in a ring between the upper stage and the re-entry vehicle, was a key to the Minuteman's success as a weapon. Signals from this system controlled the direction, cut-off of thrust, and the separation of the stages, to direct the three warheads to their targets.
- The Minuteman used an inertial guidance system, which relied completely on internal measurements of acceleration. By combining acceleration data with knowledge of the Earth's gravitational field, and of the missile's exact position at launch, the Minuteman was able to achieve remarkable accuracy. An onboard digital computer, built of early production integrated circuits, stored data and performed the necessary calculations. It also allowed the missile to be retargeted quickly prior to launch.
- Transferred by the U.S. Air Force to the Museum in 1977.
- Alternate Name
- Minuteman Guidance System
- Credit Line
- Transferred from the United States Air Force.
- Inventory Number
- A19770995000
- Restrictions & Rights
- Usage conditions apply
- Type
- INSTRUMENTS-Navigational
- Materials
- Ring: metal, probably aluminum. Interior structures: various metals, including beryllium. Electrical components and wire.
- Dimensions
- 3-D: 48.3 x 132.1cm (19 x 52 in.)
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- See more items in
- National Air and Space Museum Collection
- National Air and Space Museum
- Record ID
- nasm_A19770995000
- GUID (Link to Original Record)
- http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/nv977f88641-87b4-4bc2-830f-6c43502cf07d
