National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC
Past Exhibition
The Minuteman III is a solid-fueled, intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), which the U.S. Air Force first deployed in the 1960s. The guidance system, contained in a ring between the upper stage and the re-entry vehicle, was a key to the Minuteman's success as a weapon. Signals from this system controlled the direction, cut-off of thrust, and the separation of the stages, to direct the three warheads to their targets.
The Minuteman used an inertial guidance system, which relied completely on internal measurements of acceleration. By combining acceleration data with knowledge of the Earth's gravitational field, and of the missile's exact position at launch, the Minuteman was able to achieve remarkable accuracy. An onboard digital computer, built of early production integrated circuits, stored data and performed the necessary calculations. It also allowed the missile to be retargeted quickly prior to launch.
Transferred by the U.S. Air Force to the Museum in 1977.
Display Status
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
INSTRUMENTS-Navigational
Manufacturer
Rockwell International Corporation
Dimensions
3-D: 48.3 x 132.1cm (19 x 52 in.)
Materials
Ring: metal, probably aluminum. Interior structures: various metals, including beryllium. Electrical components and wire.
Alternate Name
Minuteman Guidance System
Inventory Number
A19770995000
Credit Line
Transferred from the United States Air Force.
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.
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