LGM-30 Minuteman: America's Nuclear Deterrent for 60 Years

Explore the fascinating history and future of the US Minuteman ICBM, a 62-year keystone of nuclear defense. Discover its origins, technological evolution, and the looming transition to the new LGM-35 Sentinel.

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[FallenPhoenix]

"The ageing B-2"

Think I can hear the B-52's laughing at that one.

[valdmaniszero]

Hey, former Minuteman III maintainer here (2010's). I just wanted to add that while the MM3 was designed as a MIRV system, the total deployed warhead limitations in the New Start treaty resulted in the retirement of the newer Peacekeeper missile that wasn't really mentioned (which was designed to mount 10 warheads instead of 3 ) and the redeployment of all MM3's as single warhead systems. Essentially, it was decided instead of having 45 silos with a 10 warhead missile each, we would use the 450 MM3 silos already in service with 1 warhead each, which would theoretically force the Soviets to use more of their arsenal targeting those silos instead of other strategic/civilian targets.
I do think that the Sentinel will likely be DESIGNED with the capability for MIRV deployment thanks to rising tensions with Russia and Putin's suspension of the New START treaty last year, but unless/until the US abandons the treaty's limitations, the Sentinel will almost certainly be deployed with a single warhead per missile.

[b.thomas]

The missile always knows where it is, because it knows where it isn't....

[williamdurland]

Not one to criticize Simon, as I love all of his channels but technically--the Titan used storable liquid propellants.
They were extremely toxic, dangerous and hazardous but they were non cryogenic and hypergolic, so the missile could be fueled and then lowered into the silo where it could remain for some weeks or months.
Unfortunately then it had to be completely flushed cleaned and inspected which was time-consuming and very dangerous.

[greglane]

LGM-118 Peacekeeper. Those were some serious missiles. No longer in existence due to treaties.

[LastMumzy]

I served as an Air Force officer for eight years as a Missile Combat Crew Commander (13S). If you ever watch a movie where the president says launch the missiles and then it cuts away to two officers in the silo turning their 'key'.. that was me!

[brianbedoe]

The Titan II missile was a fully liquid fueled missle, which could launch from inside its underground silo in about 60 seconds. Its quick launch was made possible by "hypergolic" liquid fuels, which allowed it to respond to a preemptive nuclear attack before incoming missiles got them. Hope this helps!

[armlegx]

The "near as damnit" verbal tic in this script became grating quickly. Writer: you get one/script.

[OhioScot]

My father was an electrician in the USAF stationed in Montana during the 1960's working on the Minuteman II missile system, said it was the best posting he ever had next to when the Air Force still had a an airbase in Châteauroux-Déols .

[joelstiffler]

The Multiple warhead issue isn't a national ego thing its a matter of compliance with Strategic Arms limitations treaties. And the fate of the decommissioned Minute men III will be like the Atlas, Titan and Minutman I and II missels, they will get expended as space boosters.

[floridaboz]

I am proud to say that i was able to guard them for for 5 years. At FE Warren AFB, I miss that time of my life

[RyanLAbernathy]

Simon….. with allll the channels you have I have a few questions..
1) Do you ever stop filming?
2) Do you ever leave the studio?
3) How do you get your beard to look so dang good!!??


Great job sir!

[smac]

I used to guard these things and lemme tell ya, they are massive, and if you ever see them launching, head for the hills lol. 💯🤣

[finscreenname]

In the early 1930's the most advanced airplane was an open cockpit biplane made of wood, wires and fabric. Just 20 years later the first B52 took to the air.

[tori]

The Titan II was pre-fueled and ready for launch in its silo I believe.

[Tamburello_]

Why not, Minot?

Freezin the reason!

[treydezellem]

It always ticks me off when people say that the US is spending so much money on defense and they combine it with GDP of other nations, those other nations aren’t doing anything to try and ensure trade or peace around the world

[toddjohnson]

I worked on Minuteman 3 and Peacekeeper. Both excellent ICBMs for their time. The Peacekeeper would still be 'current' but it is not allowed by treaty. But I'm sure there are newer concepts that would be better. In fact, the statement of the M3s not being able to succeed against electronic warfare is also probably wrong. Their tech is so old that current deterrents probably wouldn't work on them. But I'm sure the fuel and needed repairs are an issue.

[LikeTheBuffalo]

The writer of this article has a "near-as-damnit" word whisker

[bjrkn]

Minute North Dakota 🤣🤣

I believe the locals say "Mynot" for it but still got a laugh.