Tests Minuteman III ICBM Ballistic Missile

The LGM-30G Minuteman III is an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).The Minuteman III was the first U.S. missile fitted with MIRVs. It is the third member of the Minuteman ballistic missiles series. It entered development in 1966 as a further development of the early LGM-30F Minuteman II, and entered service for the first time 1970. The Minuteman III is the product of over 40 years of continual innovation and improvement. The Minuteman family of missiles have served as the backbone of the U.S. land-based nuclear strategic force since 1962. The Minuteman III began development in 1964 and entered service in 1970 with a force of 550 missiles. The United States usually conducts two or more tests of the Minuteman III each year to ensure the arsenal is functioning and reliable.