Proceedings 15th Annual Technical And Management Conference Reinforced Plastics Division Society Of The Plastics Industry

Author : David Stumpf
Publisher : University of Arkansas Press
ISBN 13 : 1682261549
Total Pages : 595 pages
Book Rating : 4.6/5 (822 download)

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Download or read book Minuteman written by David Stumpf and published by University of Arkansas Press. This book was released on 2021-02-26 with total page 595 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In Minuteman: A Technical History of the Missile That Defined American Nuclear Warfare, David K. Stumpf demystifies the intercontinental ballistic missile program that was conceived at the end of the Eisenhower administration as a key component of the US nuclear strategy of massive retaliation. Although its nuclear warhead may have lacked power relative to that of the Titan II, the Minuteman more than made up for this in terms of numbers and readiness to launch—making it the ultimate ICBM. Minuteman offers a fascinating look at the technological breakthroughs necessary to field this weapon system that has served as a powerful component of the strategic nuclear triad for more than half a century. With exacting detail, Stumpf examines the construction of launch and launch control facilities; innovations in solid propellant, lightweight inertial guidance systems, and lightweight reentry vehicle development; and key flight tests and operational flight programs—all while situating the Minuteman program in the context of world events. In doing so, the author reveals how the historic missile has adapted to changing defense strategies—from counterforce to mutually assured destruction to sufficiency.