Comparison of basing modes for land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles

Conference · Thu Dec 15 00:00:00 EST 1988 · AIP Conf. Proc.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6328861

Zimmerman, P D

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), Vol. 178:1; Conference: Nuclear arms technologies in the 1990's, Washington, DC, USA, 16 Apr 1988
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEFENSE
MISSILES
MILITARY STRATEGY
NUCLEAR WEAPONS
MISSILE SILOS
NATIONAL DEFENSE
RAIL TRANSPORT
RAILROAD CARS
RELIABILITY
TREATIES
WARFARE
LAND TRANSPORT
TRAINS
TRANSPORT
VEHICLES
WEAPONS
450202* - Explosions & Explosives- Nuclear- Weaponry- (-1989)