Comparison of basing modes for land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles
Intercontinental ballistic missiles based in silos have become relatively vulnerable, at least in theory, to counter-force attacks. This theoretical vulnerability may not, in fact, be a serious practical concern; it is nonetheless troubling both to policy-makers and to the public. Furthermore, the present generation of ICBMs is aging (the Minuteman II single warhead missile will exceed its operational life-span early in the next decade) and significant restructuring of the ballistic missile force may well be necessary if a Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) is signed. This paper compares several proposed schemes for modernizing the ICBM force. Because the rail-garrison MIRVd mobile system is the least costly alternative to secure a large number of strategic warheads, it receives a comparatively large amount of attention.
- Research Organization:
- Senior Associate, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Washington, DC 20036
- OSTI ID:
- 6328861
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-8804202-
- Journal Information:
- AIP Conf. Proc.; (United States), Journal Name: AIP Conf. Proc.; (United States) Vol. 178:1; ISSN APCPC
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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450202* -- Explosions & Explosives-- Nuclear-- Weaponry-- (-1989)
LAND TRANSPORT
MILITARY STRATEGY
MISSILE SILOS
MISSILES
NATIONAL DEFENSE
NUCLEAR WEAPONS
RAIL TRANSPORT
RAILROAD CARS
RELIABILITY
TRAINS
TRANSPORT
TREATIES
VEHICLES
WARFARE
WEAPONS