Minuteman III ICBM Detailed Schematic Blueprint
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 18.2 meters |
| Diameter | 1.86 meters |
| Launch Weight | 35,300 kg |
| Range | 13,000 km |
| Payload | Up to 3 MIRVs, each with a maximum yield of 500 kilotons |
Top, Side, and Cross-Section Views
Component Breakdown
Nose Cone: Houses re-entry vehicles and payload
First Stage: Solid-fuel rocket stage with booster nozzles
Second Stage: Solid-fuel rocket stage for mid-course propulsion
Third Stage: Final solid-fuel stage for terminal phase propulsion
Post-Boost Control System: Guidance and control system for delivering MIRVs
Guidance System
The Minuteman III utilizes an advanced inertial navigation system (INS) for guidance, consisting of gyroscopes, accelerometers, on-board computers, and star trackers to ensure precise targeting over long ranges.
Support Systems
Launch Control: System for launching the missile from a secure silo
Environmental Control System: Ensuring optimal operating conditions within the silo
Electrical System: Electrical power supply and distribution for all components
Cross-Sectional Details
- Stage Separation Mechanisms: Systems ensuring the reliable staging and separation of rocket sections.
- Fuel and Oxidizer Storage: Compartments holding solid rocket propellants.
- Wiring Diagrams: Detailed wiring information for control and communication signals.
Annotations and Safety Mechanisms
Safety Mechanisms: Includes abort options, interlocks, and containment systems for handling anomalies safely.
Maintenance Access Points: Designated access points for maintenance personnel.
Critical Functions: Labels and explanations of critical functions for each primary component, ensuring clarity and safety during operations and servicing.