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Minuteman 2

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Minuteman 2 Credit: US Air Force

AKA: HSM-80B;LGM-30F;Mk. 11B or Mk. 11C;W56;WS 133B. Status: Active. First Launch: 1964-09-24. Last Launch: 2001-07-15. Number: 189 . Payload: 680 kg (1,490 lb). Thrust: 780.00 kN (175,350 lbf). Gross mass: 33,014 kg (72,783 lb). Height: 18.23 m (59.80 ft). Diameter: 1.80 m (5.90 ft). Span: 1.80 m (5.90 ft). Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

The Minuteman II used a new second stage motor, increasing range by 1600 km (1000 miles) compared to the IB model it replaced in production. A new all solid-state guidance system could store eight sets of target coordinates, compared to two for the IB. First test launch was in September 1964, with the first of 500 first missiles becoming operational in August 1965. The Minuteman II deployment brought the force up to its planned 1000-silo level, while replacing the Minuteman IA. Initial reliability problems with the guidance unit were solved. In addition to its nuclear warhead, the Minuteman II was equipped with Tracor Mk.1 decoys to present multiple targets to Soviet anti-ballistic missile systems.

Development Cost $: 1,380.600 million. Recurring Price $: 5.605 million in 1971 dollars. Flyaway Unit Cost 1985$: 1.792 million in 1962 dollars. Maximum range: 12,600 km (7,800 mi). Number Standard Warheads: 1. Standard RV: Mk. 11B or Mk. 11C. Standard warhead: W56. Warhead yield: 1,200 KT. CEP: 0.56 km (0.34 mi). Boost Propulsion: Solid rocket. Maximum speed: 29,030 kph (18,030 mph). Initial Operational Capability: 1966. Total Number Built: 668. Total Development Built: 48. Total Production Built: 620.

Historical Essay © Andreas Parsch

Boeing SM-80-LGM-30 Minuteman 2

The LGM-30F Minuteman II featured many improvements. It had a completely new Aerojet General SR19-AJ-1 second stage motor, which increased range by about 1600 km (1000 miles). Its guidance unit used solid-state circuitry, and could store up to eight sets of target coordinates. The first LGM-30F launch occurred in September 1964, and the first missiles became operational in August 1965. Eventually 500 LGM-30Fs were placed in silos, some replacing older LGM-30A-B missiles. The Minuteman II initially experienced a lot of reliability problems with its new guidance unit, because soild-state electronics were very new at the time, but the problems were eventually solved. The LGM-30F was the first U.S. ICBM to use decoys (Tracor Mk.1) in its warhead section. The LGM-30F was also the missile selected for the ultimate ERCS (Emergency Rocket Communication System), and it replaced the interim MER-6A Blue Scout Junior rockets in this role in October 1967.

• Contract for Minuteman II. - . A new contract with Boeing authorized initial planning and testing for the Wing VI Block Change - the new designation for Improved Minuteman, later to become Minuteman II (LGM-30F)..

• Grand Forks AFB - . The designated Systems Management Group selected Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota, as the operational location for Minuteman Wing VI, the first Minuteman II (LGM-30F) unit..

• Minuteman 2 announced - . Related Persons: , McNamara.

  During the Defense Department budget hearings before the House Armed Services Committee, Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara announced that a Minuteman Force Modernization Program would be established to replace the earlier model Minuteman I (LGM-30A and LGM-30B) missiles with the more advanced Wing VI configuration, Minuteman II (LGM-30F) missile, in Wings I - V. In his FY 1965 budget request, Secretary McNamara also included $110 million for continued development of the Mobile Mid-Range Ballistic Missile (MMRBM) weapon system.

• One additional squadron of 50 Minuteman II missiles. - . Headquarters USAF announced that one additional squadron of 50 Minuteman II (LGM-30F) missiles would be collocated with the existing three Minuteman I (LGM-30A) squadrons of the 341st SMW..

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). The first Minuteman II (LGM-30F) test missile (FTM 449) was successfully launched down the Eastern Test Range from Silo 32B. .

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Minuteman force cut from 1,200 to 1,000 - .

  The operational Minuteman force would number 1,000 missiles in six operational wings with a total of 20 squadrons by the end of FY1967 rather than the previously planned 1,200 missiles. The Office of the Secretary of Defense directed a Force Modernization program that would provide the Minuteman I wings with capabilities equivalent to those of the Minuteman II (LGM-30F). Force Modernization was to begin in July 1966, with retrofit to proceed on a squadron-by-squadron basis (later changed to wing-by-wing). Other improvements in the Minuteman systems were directed.

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Minuteman force of 1,000 missiles by the end of FY1967. - .

  Headquarters USAF issued a Minuteman system program directive (SPD) that established an operational force of 1,000 missiles by the end of FY1967. It also directed implementation of the Force Modernization Program to configure the entire force with Minuteman II (LGM-30F) missiles by FY 1972.

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Grand Forks AFB - . The first operational Minuteman II (LGM-30F) missile was delivered to Wing VI, Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota..

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

  The 500th major launch from Vandenberg AFB since 16 December 1958 was also the first Minuteman II (LGM-30F) research and development missile to be launched down the Western Test Range by the 6595th Aerospace Test Wing as well as the 250th launch from Vandenberg by Air Force Systems Command and its predecessor, Air Research and Development Command.

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Airborne Launch Control System - .

  Headquarters USAF issued a System Management Directive to add an Airborne Launch Control System (ALCS) for Minuteman I and II systems. SAC would then be able to use its EC-135 airborne command post aircraft to launch Minuteman missiles that were isolated from ground control.

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). The first operationally configured Minuteman II (LGM-30F) was fired from an underground silo and completed a flawless flight downrange from Vandenberg AFB..

• Minuteman force of 1,000 missiles by 1972 approved. - . Related Persons: , McNamara.

  A new Minuteman Systems Management Directive was issued covering approved actions to implement the changes in the Minuteman program resulting from Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara's decision in approved Format B of 8 December. This SMD approved a Minuteman force of 1,000 missiles deployed in six wings with 20 squadrons by the close of FY1972. Production of the Mark 12 and Mark 17 reentry systems was approved along with other improvements in the Minuteman system.

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Force modification test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

  The first Force Modernization Minuteman II research and development missile (FTM 2022) was launched from a modernized Minuteman I silo at Vandenberg AFB. Performance through first and second stage ignition was satisfactory, but malfunctions forced the missile to be dumped 150 miles down range. The Force Modernization launch program concluded on 11 May 1967 after nine launches.

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). The last Minuteman II (LGM-30F) research and development flight test missile (FTM 2033) was launched from Vandenberg AFB as part of the continuing Minuteman II R&D launch program. .

• Whiteman AFB - . Headquarters USAF announced the beginning of Force Modernization at Wing IV, Whiteman AFB, Missouri..

• Force modification test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). The first flight test of the General Electric Mark 12 reentry vehicle was made aboard a Minuteman II (LGM-30F) booster fired from Vandenberg. .

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Grand Forks AFB - . The first complete Minuteman II (LGM-30F) squadron, the 447th Strategic Missile Squadron of the 321st Strategic Missile Wing (SAC), entered operational service. The squadron was declared fully operational on 3 May..

• Whiteman AFB - . Force Modernization conversion from Minuteman I (LGM-30B) to Minuteman II (LGM-30F) began at Wing IV, Whiteman AFB, Missouri..

• Force modification test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Force modification test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Demonstration and shakedown operations launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Demonstration and shakedown operations launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Demonstration and shakedown operations launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 10 km (6 mi).

• Whiteman AFB - . The first two Minuteman flights to complete Force Modernization at Wing IV, Whiteman AFB, Missouri, were turned over to the. 509th Strategic Missile Squadron of the 351st Strategic Missile Wing..

• Grand Forks AFB - .

  The final Minuteman II (LGM-30F) squadron of Wing VI, the 448th Strategic Missile Squadron, was turned over to SAC's 321st Strategic Missile Wing at Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota. This brought Minuteman ICBM strength to 950 missile launchers - Wings I-V with 800 Minuteman I (LGM-30A/B) and Wing VI with 150 Minuteman II (LGM-30F) missiles. Boeing checkout and formal turnover to SAC were completed on 7 December.

• ERCS 1 Communications mission - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). First Emergency Rocket Communications Satellite test.

• Force modification research and development mission - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). The third and final Minuteman II flight test missile with a Mark 12 reentry vehicle was launched from Vandenberg AFB. .

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• ERCS 2 Communications mission - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Whiteman AFB - . The final flight of the first Force Modernized Minuteman squadron at Whiteman AFB, Missouri, was turned back to SAC's 351st Strategic Missile Wing..

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Malmstrom AFB - . The 1,000th Minuteman missile, an LGM-30F, was shipped to Squadron 20 at Malmstrom AFB and emplaced on 23 March. Squadron 20 would add an additional 50 Minuteman II silos to the 150 Minuteman 1A already emplaced..

• ERCS 3 Communications mission - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). Last Emergency Rocket Communications Satellite test.

• Malmstrom AFB - .

  The final flight of Squadron 20 Minuteman III missiles was turned over to SAC. This brought the strength of the 341st Strategic Missile Wing at Malmstrom AFB to 200 Minuteman missiles. The formal turnover on 3 May completed the deployment of the programmed 1,000 Minuteman missile launchers.

• ST Olympic Trials 1 operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). The 100th Minuteman IB (LGM-30B) missile (#65-101) was launched from Vandenberg AFB, California. .

• Malmstrom AFB - . Ballistic Systems Division announced that the 20th Minuteman ICBM squadron, Squadron 20 (the 564th Strategic Missile Squadron) at Malmstrom AFB, Montana, was now operational..

• Force modification test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

  The ninth, and last, Force Modernization Minuteman II (LGM-30F) research and development flight test missile^ FTM 2095, was launched from Vandenberg AFB. This missile also carried the fourth Mark 12 reentry vehicle to be test flown on a Minuteman missile launched from Vandenberg AFB.

• ST Olympic Trials 2 operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Whiteman AFB - . The final squadron of Wing IV at Whiteman AFB was received from SAC's 351st Strategic Missile Wing for Force Modernization..

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• ST Olympic Trials 3 operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Whiteman AFB - . The final flight of Force Modernization Minuteman II missiles was turned over to SAC at Whiteman AFB. Wing IV was completed on schedule and turned back to SAC's 351st Strategic Missile Wing..

• Whiteman AFB - .

  The first phase of the Minuteman ICBM Force Modernization (WS 133A-Modernized or WS 133A-M) program was officially completed. This was marked by the formal turnover of 150 Minuteman it (LGM-30F) missile launchers to SAC's 351st Strategic Missile Wing at Whiteman AFB, Missouri. The completion of the first Force Modernization wing gave the Strategic Air Command 350 of the advanced Minuteman II missiles out of the total force of 1,000 Minuteman ICBMs.

• ST Olympic Trials 4 operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• GIN BABY III research and development mission - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Research and technology/modification test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Malmstrom AFB - . The first flight of the first Wing I squadron to complete Force Modernization to the LGM-30F, the 12th Strategic Missile Squadron, was. returned to SAC's 341st Strategic Missile Wing at Malmstrom AFB..

• ST Olympic Trials 5 operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• GIN BABY V research and development mission - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• ST Olympic Trials 6 operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• ST Olympic Trials 7 operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• ST Olympic Trials 8 operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). Minuteman II (LGM-30F), FTM 468, carrying a research and development Mark 12 reentry vehicle, was launched from Silo 32 at Cape Canaveral. This was the 26th Minuteman II R&D launch - 20 from the Eastern Test Range and six from Vandenberg. .

• Research and technology/modification test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). The final Mark 12 reentry vehicle test launch was conducted from Vandenberg AFB..

• ST Olympic Trials 9 operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• GIANT BLADE 1 demonstration and shakedown operations launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Malmstrom AFB - . The final flight of the first Force Modernization squadron at Wing I, the 12th Strategic Missile Squadron, was completed and returned to SAC..

• Malmstrom AFB - .

  Force Modernization work was officially completed on the first squadron (12th Strategic Missile Squadron) of Minuteman II missiles at Malmstrom AFB, Montana. The work included renovation of the underground launch facilities (LFs) so that they would accommodate the Minuteman II missile.

• GIANT FIST 1 demonstration and shakedown operations launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• ST (Partial fuel) - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 10 km (6 mi).

• GIANT FIST 2A demonstration and shakedown operations launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Giant Fist 5 demonstration and shakedown operations launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• GIANT BLADE 2 demonstration and shakedown operations launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• ST - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• ST - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• ST - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• The Minuteman II Retrofit program began. - .

• Giant Fist 5 demonstration and shakedown operations launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Malmstrom AFB - .

  The final Minuteman I (LGM-30A) missile was taken out of its silo at Malmstrom AFB, Montana, marking the end of the operational deployment of the original model Minuteman ICBM missile. This removal was part of the continuing Force Modernization program at Malmstrom.

• ST - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• GIANT FIST 3 demonstration and shakedown operations launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• ST - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• OT GT19M operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• ST 3 - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• OT GT5F operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• ST - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• OT GT9F operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). A SAC crew launched the 50th Minuteman II missile (#64-15525) from Vandenberg AFB. .

• Malmstrom AFB - . The last flight of Force Modernization Minuteman III missiles was turned over to SAC's 341st Strategic Missile Wing at Malmstrom AFB, Montana. Wing I Force Modernization turnover was completed..

• OT GT7F operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• OT GT11F operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• ST - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• OT GT14F operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). The 250th Minuteman missile to be launched from Vandenberg AFB was a SAC Operational Test flight missile. .

• OT GT12F operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• OT GT13F operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• ST - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• OT GT17F operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• OT GT15F operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• OT GT20F operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• OT GT21F operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Malmstrom AFB - . The Minuteman II Retrofit program began at Wing I, Malmstrom AFB, Montana..

• ST - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• OT GT22F operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• ST - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• OT GT24F operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• OT GT25M operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Malmstrom AFB - . Minuteman II Retrofit at Wing I, Malmstrom AFB, Montana, was completed..

• OT GT23F operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• OT GT48F operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• OT GT57F operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• OT GT55F operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• OT GT28M operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• OT GT27M operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• OT GT59F operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• OT GT66F operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• OT GT30M operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• OT GT61F operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• ERCS GT16L operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• OT GT06F operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• OT GT31M operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• OT GT43M operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• OT GT67F operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). The 81st Minuteman II (LGM-30F) missile to be fired from Vandenberg AFB became the 1,000th missile to be launched from the base since December 1958. .

• OT GT68F operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• OT GT46M operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• OT GT47M operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• OT GT69F (Salvo) operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). Space and Missile Test Center (SAMTEC) supported the first salvo launch of two Minuteman II missiles from Vandenberg AFB. This was the third simultaneous launch of Minuteman missiles from Vandenberg. .

• OT GT70F (Salvo) operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). Space and Missile Test Center (SAMTEC) supported the first salvo launch of two Minuteman II missiles from Vandenberg AFB. This was the third simultaneous launch of Minuteman missiles from Vandenberg. .

• OT GT51M operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• OT GT52M operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Grand Forks AFB - . The Wing VI Minuteman II Retrofit program was completed at Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota..

• OT GT56M operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• OT GT58M operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT101F Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• OT GT60M operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT102F Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• OT GT80M operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• OT GT82M operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT105F Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• OT GT83M operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT103F Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• OT GT81M operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• OT GT84M operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT104F-1 Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• OT GT85M operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• OT GT87M operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• OT GT29M operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• OT GT89M operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• OT GT86F operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• ERCS GT40L Communications mission - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• ERCS GT200L Communications mission - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• OT GT88M operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT106M Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• OBL/GIANT PATRIOT 1 test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). SAMSO launched the first Minuteman II missile from Vandenberg to test an improved command destruct system for use in SAG's Operational Base Launch (OBL) program, Giant Patriot. .

• FOT GT107M Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• OBL/GIANT PATRIOT 2 test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 21 km (13 mi). The second Giant Patriot test missile was launched from Vandenberg to evaluate the Operational Base Launch Safety System (OBLSS) in anticipation of implementation of SAC's OBL program, Giant Patriot, in 1974. .

• Minuteman II Operational Targeting Program transferred to Ogden. - . SAMSO's Deputy for Minuteman transferred responsibility for the Minuteman II Operational Targeting Program (MOTP) to Ogden Air Materiel Area (OOAMA) in Utah..

• FOT GT108M Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT109M Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT110M Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT111M Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Ellsworth AFB - .

  The 68th Strategic Missile Squadron, the third and final squadron of the 44th Strategic Missile Wing (Wing II) at Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota, was returned to SAC control. This was after completion of Force Modernization, Upgrade Silo, and other miscellaneous force improvements. Turnover was completed 30 days ahead of schedule.

• FOT GT112M Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Last kit for the Minuteman II Balance of Force Retrofit - . The last kit for the Minuteman II Balance of Force Retrofit program was delivered to Ogden Air Materiel Area (OOAMA). This program was designed to increase Minuteman II survivability..

• FOT GT114M Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Malmstrom AFB - . Air Force Logistics Command (AFLC) completed the Minuteman II Balance of Force Retrofit program at Wing I, Malmstrom AFB, Montana..

• Whiteman AFB - . SAMSO Detachment 31, the Site Alteration Task Force (SATAF) at Whiteman AFB, Missouri, was inactivated..

• ERCS GIANT MOON 4 Communications mission - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT113M Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT115M-1 Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT116M Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• ERCS GIANT MOON 5 Communications mission - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT117M-1 Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). The First Strategic Aerospace Division (1STRAD) launched the 125th Minuteman II (LGM-30F) to be fired from Vandenberg AFB. .

• FOT GT119M Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT120M Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT118M Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• ERCS GIANT MOON 6 Communications mission - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT121M Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Malmstrom AFB - . With the completion of the Force Modernization Program at Squadron 20, Malmstrom AFB, Montana, there were 450 Minuteman II and 550 Minuteman III missiles under the operational control of SAC. The Force Modernization Program had lasted nine years..

• FOT GT122M-1 Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• ERCS GIANT MOON 7 Communications mission - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT123M-1 Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• OSL - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Whiteman AFB - . SATAF Detachment 31, located at Wing IV, Whiteman AFB, Missouri, was reactivated by Boeing AFPRO personnel..

• Engineering responsibility to for Minuteman II - . The transfer of engineering responsibility to AFLC for Minuteman II, which had started in January 1968, was completed..

• FOT GT125M Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT126M Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT124M Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT127M Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT128M Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Ellsworth AFB - . SATAF Detachment 32, Wing III, Minot AFB, ND, and SATAF Detachment 33, Wing II, Ellsworth AFB, SD, were deactivated..

• FOT GT129M Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• ERCS GIANT MOON 8 Communications mission - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT132M Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT134M Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT135M Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Whiteman AFB - . The integrated program of modifications to Minuteman launch facilities began at Wing IV (Whiteman AFB, Missouri) with the training facility..

• Whiteman AFB - . SAC turned over the first launch facility at Wing IV (Whiteman AFB, Missouri) to SAMSO. SAMSO was to conduct an integrated program of improvements at the Wing..

• FOT GT136M Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT133M-1 Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT130M-2 Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Plan to avoid Minuteman Wing IV the construction deficiencies - .

  An inspection team from the office of the Inspector General of AFSC visited SAMSO's Deputy for ICBMs, the Boeing AFPRO in Seattle, and the SATAFs at Wings I and IV. The purpose of the visit was to review plans which had been made to avoid at Wing IV the construction quality deficiencies experienced at Wing I. The inspection team concluded that the precautions taken were adequate.

• FOT GT137M Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Minuteman Wing IV Update delayed. - . The Program Management Responsibility Transfer Working Group (PMRTWG) extended the completion dates of seven residual tasks related to the Minuteman Wing IV Update Program..

• ERCS GIANT MOON 9 operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT138M Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT139M Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT140M Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT141MS Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT142M Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT143MS-1 Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT144MS Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT145MS Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT146MS Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT148M Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• FOT GT150M Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

  The Minuteman II launch took place at sunset and created a spectacular show in the evening sky. Pictures of the event were interpreted to mean that the missile was detonated because it was off course. The flash was visible as far away as Salt Lake City. The Air Force claimed that it was a successful launch, but the alternative LA Weekly later said that it was indeed heading for Los Angeles and was destroyed. However high-altitude contrails and staging events, altered by winds aloft, can produce easily-misinterpreted visual displays.

• FOT GT149M Follow-on Test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 0 km (0 mi).

• Ellsworth AFB - . Nation: USA. As part of the drawdown of US ICBM forces, 44th Missile Wing inactivated at Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota..

• Malmstrom AFB - . 150 Minuteman II silos taken off alert status under Start I Treaty and their missiles removed. 50 silos were fitted with Minuteman III missiles, and together with the existing 50 Minuteman III silos left 100 of the missile operational at Malmstrom AFB..

• Whiteman AFB - . Nation: USA. Under the START I treaty, the 150 missiles were removed and the sites destroyed. The last silo was imploded on 15 December 1997..

• MSLS - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFMC. Apogee: 1,600 km (900 mi).

• IFT-1 EKV Target Target mission - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFMC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). Minuteman launched an MSLS target vehicle for the EKV anti-ballistic missile interceptor launched from Kwajalein Atoll..

• MSLS IFT-1A Target mission - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFMC. Apogee: 1,600 km (900 mi).

  RSLP (MSLS) IFT-1A. The target cluster consisted of 10 objects: one mock warhead, one bus (the stage of the missile which releases the warhead and decoys), and eight decoys. Three decoys were conical in shape, like the warhead, and five were spherical balloons. One balloon was large – 2.2 meters in diameter – and had a brighter IR signature than the mock warhead. The two medium-sized balloons were about as bright as the mock warhead; they did not deploy as expected and were not reliable parts of the testing program. The two small balloons were released via a canister and were much dimmer than the mock warhead.

• MSLS IFT-2 Target mission - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFMC. Apogee: 1,600 km (900 mi). The same decoy set used in IFT-1A was also used in IFT-2. The target cluster consisted of 10 objects: one mock warhead, the bus (the stage of the missile which releases the warhead and decoys), and eight decoys..

• MSLS IFT-3 Target mission - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFMC. Apogee: 1,600 km (900 mi).

  The only decoy used in IFT-3 was the large balloon from IFT-1A and IFT-2. It had an IR signature six times higher than that of the mock warhead. Because the decoy was so much brighter than the mock warhead, the EKV saw it first. Once the EKV realized that the balloon's IR signature did not match the target data loaded prior to the test, the interceptor shifted to the nearby target.

• MSLS IFT-4 Target mission - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFMC. Apogee: 1,600 km (900 mi). The only decoy used was the single large balloon from the previous tests. Smaller balloons originally had been planned to be a part of IFT-4, but were dropped in an attempt to simplify the test..

• MSLS IFT-5 Target mission - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFMC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

  A C-band transponder on the mock warhead provided location information; its data was compared against its GPS receiver to determine its accuracy. The only decoy used was the large balloon from previous tests. It did not inflate properly, causing MDA officials to use a different decoy in the future.

• IFT-6 GMDS target mission - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFMC. Apogee: 1,600 km (900 mi).

  The Minuteman II flew a suborbital trajectory with an apogee of around 1600 km and reentered near Kwajalein Atoll. The Boeing Minuteman II had an M55E1 first stage, an SR19 second stage and an M57A1 third stage. One large decoy balloon was used, 1.7 meters in diameter, slightly smaller than the balloon used earlier as a decoy. This new decoy still had an IR signature much brighter (approximately three times) than that of the mock warhead.