U.S. Air Force has performed test launch of Minuteman III ICBM InterContinental Ballistic Missile 10902173

Defense & Security News - Unitd States
 
U.S. Air Force has performed test launch of Minuteman III ICBM InterContinental Ballistic Missile.
An unarmed LGM-30 Minuteman III InterContinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) was launched during an operational test at 11:39 p.m. PST here Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2017 from Vandenberg U.S. Air Force Base. Minuteman 3 missile tests occur from underground silos on the northern section of Vandenberg.
     
An unarmed LGM-30 Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) was launched during an operational test at 11:39 p.m. PST here Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2017 from Vandenberg U.S. Air Force Base. Minuteman 3 missile tests occur from underground silos on the northern section of Vandenberg. Test launch of Minuteman III ICBM (InterContinental Ballistic Missile) archive image.
     
The LGM-30 Minuteman is a U.S. land-based intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), in service with the Air Force Global Strike Command. As of 2016, the LGM-30G Minuteman III version[a] is the only land-based ICBM in service in the United States.

The last Minuteman III was delivered from Plant 77 on Nov. 30, 1978. In all, Boeing had deployed 150 Minuteman IA, 650 Minuteman IB, 500 Minuteman II, and 550 Minuteman III missiles. Minuteman III missiles are part of the United States Strategic Command that also includes the Navy’s Ohio class fleet of ballistic missile submarines and Air Force’s B-2 and B-52 bombers.

Col. Chris Moss, 30th Space Wing commander, was the launch decision authority.
 
"Today's launch was an important demonstration of our nation's ICBM capabilities," said Moss. "As with all launches from the Western Range, it requires tremendous teamwork and focus to ensure a safe and successful launch. 30th Space Wing is proud to have partnered with the men and women of the 576th Flight Test Squadron and Air Force Global Strike Command to deliver this important mission for the nation."


RGNext, a joint venture of Raytheon Company and General Dynamics Information Technology, took over the contract in 2015 to provide operations and maintenance responsibilities for the Western Range at Vandenberg plus the Eastern Range at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., under the same contract for the first time.

Workers on the Western and Eastern ranges operate equipment that monitors rocket launches and missile tests from California and Florida to ensure the vehicles remain on the planned flight path and don’t stray over populated areas.