The R-7. The Atlas-1. Both of these nuclear missiles were capable, but they were also dangerous. They both used hypergolic liquid fuel, which was EXTREMELY dangerous, as the two component compounds could react upon contact. The US needed a solution. They found it in the form of the LGM-30 “Minuteman”.
The LGM-30 is a 3-stage, solid fueled, and inertially guided nuclear missile with a range large enough to strike the other side of the world. It entered service in the early 1960s. It had a host of problems, however, such as low survivability, accuracy, and range. These problems were fixed with the LGM-30F Minuteman 2, which was later replaced by the LGM-30G Minuteman 3, the US’s current missile in the Minuteman line.
In conclusion, the LGM-30 series has been the backbone of the American nuclear arsenal since the 1960s, and will stay in American service for years to come.
Related stories
https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104466/lgm-30g-minuteman-iii/
https://www.afnwc.af.mil/Weapon-Systems/Minuteman-III-LGM-30G/
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