ICBM
Overview
An Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) is a long-range missile capable of delivering nuclear warheads across distances exceeding 5,500 kilometers. These weapons can strike targets anywhere on Earth within 30 minutes, fundamentally transforming global security.
Technical Specifications
Modern ICBMs have distinct characteristics:
- Range: 5,500+ km (3,400+ miles) minimum
- Speed: Exceed 15,000 mph at peak velocity
- Accuracy: Within hundreds of feet of target
- Payload: Single or multiple nuclear warheads
- Launch time: Minutes from command to launch
Trajectory Phases
ICBM flight consists of three phases:
- Boost phase: Rocket acceleration through atmosphere (3-5 minutes)
- Midcourse phase: Ballistic flight through space (up to 25 minutes)
- Terminal phase: Warhead descent and detonation (2-3 minutes)
Deployment Methods
ICBMs are deployed in various configurations:
- Silo-based: Underground reinforced concrete silos
- Mobile launchers: Road or rail-mobile systems
- Submarine-launched: Sea-based ballistic missiles (SLBMs)
- Aircraft-delivered: Air-launched ballistic missiles
Major Systems
Current and historical ICBM systems include:
- Minuteman III (US): 450 deployed missiles
- RS-28 Sarmat (Russia): Heavy liquid-fueled ICBM
- DF-41 (China): Road-mobile solid-fueled missile
- Hwasong-15 (North Korea): Demonstrated intercontinental range
Command and Control
ICBM operations require multiple safeguards:
- Two-person rule: Multiple operators required for launch
- Permissive Action Links: Electronic locks preventing unauthorized use
- Communication systems: Secure links to national command authority
- Launch windows: Compressed decision-making timeframes
Relevance to Nuclear Weapons
ICBMs are critical to nuclear strategy because:
- They enable global nuclear deterrence
- Their speed compresses decision-making time
- They provide assured retaliation capability
- They represent the most survivable delivery system for land-based forces
Sources
Authoritative Sources:
- International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) - Nuclear science and safety standards
- Nuclear Regulatory Commission - Radiation protection and nuclear physics
- Los Alamos National Laboratory - Nuclear weapons physics and research
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory - Nuclear science and technology
- Atomic Heritage Foundation - Nuclear history and science education