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USAF signs Lockheed Martin for Minuteman III contract Defence and Security

19 Jun 2014| Posted by Morris | In Defence and Security

The contract for the sustainment of the reentry subsystem for the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) system has been awarded to Lockheed Martin by the US Air Force (USAF).


The contract has an initial value of $109m which involves repair, modification and testing of hardware and software components in the reentry system-reentry vehicle (RS-RV) subsystem. Under the USAF’s Future ICBM Sustainment and Acquisition Construct will be developed to provide a safe, secure and decisive Minuteman III weapon system through 2030.


According to Doug Graham, Vice President, Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company ICBM and advanced programmes – More efficient support and direct application of our functional skills will be delivered to this significant national mission area with the signing of this contract.


The total potential value of the RS-RV contract goes to $452m, which has a one-year performance duration and options for and extension of four years.


Since the 1960’s, Lockheed being the main designer, sustainer and manufacturer of Minuteman III reentry systems, the company has also evolved a process for refurbishing the MK21 reentry vehicle’s fusing and arming assemblies at a portion of the expense of producing new units.


The complex procedure is programed to supplant and recondition electronic and mechanical components, expanding the units’ service life to assist the Minuteman III through to 2030. Further association with the Air Force is on the go, to assist its refurbishment efforts at Hill Air Force Base (AFB) in Utah, US. The contract work is expected to be primarily carried out at Hill AFB, where the ICBM System Program Office is situated, and in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, US.


LGM-30G Minuteman III, a Boeing, fabrication, is a ground-based ICBM programed to deliver nuclear warheads, and showcase one component of a nuclear triad that is integrated by the Trident submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) and by nuclear weapons borne by long-range strategic bomber aircraft.

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