Model: Minuteman 2.

Minuteman 2 Credit - US Air Force

Intercontinental ballistic missile. IOC: 1966. Family: Minuteman. Other Family: Active. Country: USA. Status: Active. Department of Defence Designation: LGM-30F. Popular Name: Minuteman 2. Alternate Designation: HSM-80B.

US ICBM. 3 stage vehicle. The LGM-30F Minuteman II used the W56 wargead exclusively with either the Mk.11B or Mk.11C RV.

Historical Essay © Andreas Parsch

Boeing SM-80/LGM-30 Minuteman 2

The LGM-30F Minuteman II featured many improvements. It had a completely new Aerojet General SR19-AJ-1 second stage motor, which increased range by about 1600 km (1000 miles). Its guidance unit used solid-state circuitry, and could store up to eight sets of target coordinates. The first LGM-30F launch occurred in September 1964, and the first missiles became operational in August 1965. Eventually 500 LGM-30Fs were placed in silos, some replacing older LGM-30A/B missiles. The Minuteman II initially experienced a lot of reliability problems with its new guidance unit, because soild-state electronics were very new at the time, but the problems were eventually solved. The LGM-30F was the first U.S. ICBM to use decoys (Tracor Mk.1) in its warhead section. The LGM-30F was also the missile selected for the ultimate ERCS (Emergency Rocket Communication System), and it replaced the interim MER-6A Blue Scout Junior rockets in this role in October 1967.

Manufacturer: Boeing. Launches: 189. Failures: 4. Success Rate: 97.88%. First Launch Date: 1964-09-24. Last Launch Date: 2001-07-15. Launch data is: continuing. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). Liftoff Thrust: 780.000 kN (175,350 lbf). Total Mass: 33,014 kg (72,783 lb). Core Diameter: 1.80 m (5.90 ft). Total Length: 18.23 m (59.80 ft). Span: 1.80 m (5.90 ft). Standard warhead mass: 680 kg (1,490 lb). Maximum range: 12,600 km (7,800 mi). Number Standard Warheads: 1. Standard RV: Mk. 11B or Mk. 11C. Standard warhead: W56. Standard warhead yield: 1,200 KT. Standard warhead CEP: 0.56 km (0.34 mi). Boost Propulsion: Solid rocket. Cruise Propulsion: Solid rocket. Guidance: Inertial. Maximum speed: 29,030 kph (18,030 mph). Ceiling: 1,287,800 m (4,225,000 ft). Development Cost $: 1,380.600 million. in: 1962 average dollars. Recurring Price $: 5.605 million. Total Number Built: 668. Total Development Built: 48. Total Production Built: 620. Flyaway Unit Cost $: 1.792 million. in: 1971 unit dollars.

• Stage1: 1 x Minuteman-1. Gross Mass: 23,077 kg (50,876 lb). Empty Mass: 2,292 kg (5,052 lb). Motor: 1 x M55/TX-55/Tu-122. Thrust (vac): 791.300 kN (177,891 lbf). Isp: 262 sec. Burn time: 60 sec. Length: 7.49 m (24.57 ft). Diameter: 1.67 m (5.47 ft). Propellants: Solid.

• Stage2: 1 x Minuteman 2-2. Gross Mass: 7,032 kg (15,502 lb). Empty Mass: 795 kg (1,752 lb). Motor: 1 x SR-19. Thrust (vac): 267.700 kN (60,181 lbf). Isp: 288 sec. Burn time: 66 sec. Length: 4.12 m (13.51 ft). Diameter: 1.33 m (4.36 ft). Propellants: Solid.

• Stage3: 1 x Hera-2. Gross Mass: 1,900 kg (4,100 lb). Empty Mass: 300 kg (660 lb). Motor: 1 x M57A1. Thrust (vac): 76.000 kN (17,085 lbf). Burn time: 59 sec. Length: 2.10 m (6.80 ft). Diameter: 0.97 m (3.18 ft). Propellants: Solid.

1964 September 24 - 16:04 GMT - Cape Canaveral LC32B. Minuteman 2 449 Research and development launch Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1964 October 29 - Cape Canaveral LC32B. Minuteman 2 450 Research and development launch Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1964 December 15 - Cape Canaveral LC32B. Minuteman 2 451 Research and development launch Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1964 December 19 - 00:07 GMT - Cape Canaveral LC31B. Minuteman 2 452 Research and development launch Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1965 January 29 - Cape Canaveral LC31B. Minuteman 2 453 Research and development launch Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1965 May 8 - Cape Canaveral LC32B. Minuteman 2 455 Research and development launch Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1965 May 26 - Cape Canaveral LC32B. Minuteman 2 456 Research and development launch Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1965 August 4 - Cape Canaveral LC32B. Minuteman 2 457 Research and development launch Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1965 August 18 - 11:30 GMT - Vandenberg LF21. Minuteman 2 2001 Research and development launch Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1965 August 23 - 20:00 GMT - Cape Canaveral LC31B. Minuteman 2 454 Research and development launch Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1965 September 24 - Cape Canaveral LC32B. Minuteman 2 458 Research and development launch Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1965 October 1 - Cape Canaveral LC31B. Minuteman 2 459 Research and development launch Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1965 October 6 - Vandenberg LF22. Minuteman 2 2002 Research and development launch Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1965 November 9 - Vandenberg LF21. Minuteman 2 2009 Research and development launch Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1965 December 16 - Vandenberg LF24. Minuteman 2 2017 Research and development launch Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1966 January 5 - Cape Canaveral LC32B. Minuteman 2 461 Research and development launch Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1966 January 18 - Vandenberg LF26. Minuteman 2 2053 Research and development launch Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1966 January 22 - Vandenberg LF05. Minuteman 2 2022 Force modification test Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1966 February 11 - 01:00 GMT - Cape Canaveral LC31B. Minuteman 2 460 Research and development launch Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1966 February 16 - Vandenberg LF25. Minuteman 2 2033 Research and development launch Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1966 March 17 - Vandenberg LF08. Minuteman 2 2049 FAILURE: Failure. Force modification test Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1966 April 1 - Cape Canaveral LC31B. Minuteman 2 462 Research and development launch Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1966 June 24 - Vandenberg LF08. Minuteman 2 2083 Force modification test Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1966 July 9 - 02:30 GMT - Cape Canaveral LC32B. Minuteman 2 463 Research and development launch Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1966 July 26 - Vandenberg LF08. Minuteman 2 2045 FAILURE: Failure. Force modification test Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1966 August 1 - Vandenberg LF24. Minuteman 2 2061 Demonstration and shakedown operations launch Agency: SAC 1STRAD. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1966 August 26 - 21:36 GMT - Vandenberg LF23. Minuteman 2 2056 Demonstration and shakedown operations launch Agency: SAC 1STRAD. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1966 November 2 - Vandenberg LF22. Minuteman 2 2068 FAILURE: Failure. Demonstration and shakedown operations launch Agency: SAC 1STRAD. Apogee: 10 km (6 mi).

1966 December 13 - Vandenberg LF05. Minuteman 2 2036 ERCS 1 Communications mission Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). First Emergency Rocket Communications Satellite test

1967 January 11 - Vandenberg LF08. Minuteman 2 2073 Force modification research and development mission Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1967 January 18 - Cape Canaveral LC32B. Minuteman 2 464 Research and development launch Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1967 February 2 - Vandenberg LF05. Minuteman 2 2087 ERCS 2 Communications mission Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1967 February 25 - Cape Canaveral LC32B. Minuteman 2 465 Research and development launch Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1967 April 17 - Vandenberg LF08. Minuteman 2 2143 ERCS 3 Communications mission Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). Last Emergency Rocket Communications Satellite test

1967 April 21 - Vandenberg LF22. Minuteman 2 2137 ST Olympic Trials 1 operational test launch Agency: SAC 1STRAD. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1967 May 11 - 14:23 GMT - Vandenberg LF21. Minuteman 2 2095 Force modification test Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1967 May 19 - Vandenberg LF24. Minuteman 2 2122 ST Olympic Trials 2 operational test launch Agency: SAC 1STRAD. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1967 July 15 - Vandenberg LF21. Minuteman 2 2337 Research and development launch Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1967 July 20 - Vandenberg LF22. Minuteman 2 2370 ST Olympic Trials 3 operational test launch Agency: SAC 1STRAD. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1967 August 17 - Cape Canaveral LC32B. Minuteman 2 466 Research and development launch Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1967 October 21 - Vandenberg LF24. Minuteman 2 2445 ST Olympic Trials 4 operational test launch Agency: SAC 1STRAD. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1967 November 7 - 00:56 GMT - Cape Canaveral LC32B. Minuteman 2 467 Research and development launch Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1967 November 17 - Vandenberg LF05. Minuteman 2 2386 GIN BABY III research and development mission Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1967 November 21 - 14:12 GMT - Vandenberg LF08. Minuteman 2 2071 Research and technology/modification test Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1967 December 23 - Vandenberg LF24. Minuteman 2 2457 ST Olympic Trials 5 operational test launch Agency: SAC 1STRAD. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1967 December 28 - Vandenberg LF05. Minuteman 2 2435 GIN BABY V research and development mission Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1968 January 10 - 09:58 GMT - Vandenberg LF25. Minuteman 2 2437 ST Olympic Trials 6 operational test launch Agency: SAC 1STRAD. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1968 January 25 - Vandenberg LF22. Minuteman 2 2448 ST Olympic Trials 7 operational test launch Agency: SAC 1STRAD. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1968 February 2 - 10:17 GMT - Vandenberg LF24. Minuteman 2 2464 ST Olympic Trials 8 operational test launch Agency: SAC 1STRAD. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1968 February 7 - Cape Canaveral LC32B. Minuteman 2 468 Research and development launch Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1968 February 10 - 11:42 GMT - Vandenberg LF08. Minuteman 2 2307 Research and technology/modification test Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1968 March 29 - Vandenberg LF26. Minuteman 2 2522 ST Olympic Trials 9 operational test launch Agency: SAC 1STRAD. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1968 April 30 - Vandenberg LF22. Minuteman 2 2503 GIANT BLADE 1 demonstration and shakedown operations launch Agency: SAC 1STRAD. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1968 July 8 - 18:19 GMT - Vandenberg LF04. Minuteman 2 FTM-2589 GIANT FIST 1 demonstration and shakedown operations launch Agency: SAC 1STRAD. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1968 September 1 - 18:00 GMT - Vandenberg LF21. Minuteman 2 1442 ST (Partial fuel) Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 10 km (6 mi).

1968 October 24 - 17:00 GMT - Vandenberg LF04. Minuteman 2 FTM-2191 GIANT FIST 2A demonstration and shakedown operations launch Agency: SAC 1STRAD. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1968 November 13 - 12:10 GMT - Vandenberg LF05. Minuteman 2 2537 Giant Fist 5 demonstration and shakedown operations launch Agency: SAC 1STRAD. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1968 November 21 - 18:28 GMT - Vandenberg LF25. Minuteman 2 2556 GIANT BLADE 2 demonstration and shakedown operations launch Agency: SAC 1STRAD. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1968 December 20 - 14:30 GMT - Vandenberg LF08. Minuteman 2 2418 ST Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1969 January 29 - 10:34 GMT - Vandenberg LF02. Minuteman 2 2504 ST Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1969 January 29 - 13:52 GMT - Vandenberg LF08. Minuteman 2 2240 ST Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1969 February 2 - 08:25 GMT - Vandenberg LF04. Minuteman 2 FTM-2208 Giant Fist 5 demonstration and shakedown operations launch Agency: SAC 1STRAD. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1969 March 7 - 08:20 GMT - Vandenberg LF05. Minuteman 2 2252 ST Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1969 March 12 - 11:20 GMT - Vandenberg LF04. Minuteman 2 FTM-2642 GIANT FIST 3 demonstration and shakedown operations launch Agency: SAC 1STRAD. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1969 March 22 - Vandenberg LF21. Minuteman 2 2415 ST Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1969 April 16 - Vandenberg LF05. Minuteman 2 2339 OT GT19M operational test launch Agency: SAC 1STRAD. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1969 April 18 - Vandenberg LF25. Minuteman 2 2287 ST 3 Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1969 April 25 - Vandenberg LF22. Minuteman 2 2096 OT GT5F operational test launch Agency: SAC 1STRAD. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1969 May 2 - 08:42 GMT - Vandenberg LF21. Minuteman 2 2505 ST Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1969 May 20 - Vandenberg LF26. Minuteman 2 (64-15525) OT GT9F operational test launch Agency: SAC 1STRAD. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1969 May 28 - Vandenberg LF25. Minuteman 2 2131 OT GT7F operational test launch Agency: SAC 1STRAD. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1969 June 11 - 13:15 GMT - Vandenberg LF24. Minuteman 2 2059 OT GT11F operational test launch Agency: SAC 1STRAD. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1969 June 20 - Vandenberg LF21. Minuteman 2 2320 ST Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1969 July 8 - Vandenberg LF25. Minuteman 2 2062 OT GT14F operational test launch Agency: SAC 1STRAD. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1969 July 15 - Vandenberg LF22. Minuteman 2 (64-15533) OT GT12F operational test launch Agency: SAC 1STRAD. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1969 July 15 - Vandenberg LF26. Minuteman 2 2012 OT GT13F operational test launch Agency: SAC 1STRAD. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1969 July 25 - Vandenberg LF08. Minuteman 2 2357 ST Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1969 August 21 - Vandenberg LF24. Minuteman 2 2108 OT GT17F operational test launch Agency: SAC 1STRAD. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1969 August 27 - 02:35 GMT - Vandenberg LF22. Minuteman 2 2065 OT GT15F operational test launch Agency: SAC 1STRAD. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1969 September 3 - 02:20 GMT - Vandenberg LF26. Minuteman 2 2145 OT GT20F operational test launch Agency: SAC 1STRAD. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1969 September 24 - Vandenberg LF25. Minuteman 2 2129 OT GT21F operational test launch Agency: SAC 1STRAD. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1969 October 1 - Vandenberg LF21. Minuteman 2 2510 ST Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1969 October 13 - Vandenberg LF24. Minuteman 2 2054 OT GT22F operational test launch Agency: SAC 1STRAD. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1969 November 19 - Vandenberg LF21. Minuteman 2 2508 ST Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1970 March 11 - Vandenberg LF22. Minuteman 2 2424 OT GT24F operational test launch Agency: SAC 1STRAD. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1970 March 26 - Vandenberg LF05. Minuteman 2 2656 OT GT25M operational test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1970 March 31 - Vandenberg LF26. Minuteman 2 2594 OT GT23F operational test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1970 April 21 - Vandenberg LF24. Minuteman 2 2474 OT GT48F operational test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1970 April 25 - Vandenberg LF22. Minuteman 2 2588 OT GT57F operational test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1970 May 21 - Vandenberg LF25. Minuteman 2 2486 OT GT55F operational test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1970 June 19 - Vandenberg LF05. Minuteman 2 2478 OT GT28M operational test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1970 June 20 - Vandenberg LF04. Minuteman 2 2338 OT GT27M operational test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1970 June 26 - Vandenberg LF22. Minuteman 2 2559 OT GT59F operational test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1970 July 9 - Vandenberg LF24. OT GT66F operational test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1970 July 18 - Vandenberg LF04. OT GT30M operational test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1970 August 3 - Vandenberg LF25. OT GT61F operational test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1970 August 4 - Vandenberg LF05. ERCS GT16L operational test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1970 August 11 - Vandenberg LF26. OT GT06F operational test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1970 August 14 - 08:35 GMT - Vandenberg LF04. OT GT31M operational test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1970 August 26 - Vandenberg LF05. OT GT43M operational test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1970 September 14 - 23:30 GMT - Vandenberg LF25. OT GT67F operational test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1970 September 17 - 18:00 GMT - Vandenberg LF26. OT GT68F operational test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1970 October 3 - Vandenberg LF04. OT GT46M operational test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1970 October 7 - Vandenberg LF05. OT GT47M operational test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1970 October 22 - 22:35 GMT - Vandenberg LF26. OT GT70F (Salvo) operational test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1970 October 22 - 22:35 GMT - Vandenberg LF25. OT GT69F (Salvo) operational test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1970 November 2 - 23:05 GMT - Vandenberg LF04. OT GT51M operational test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1970 November 6 - 02:00 GMT - Vandenberg LF05. OT GT52M operational test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1970 December 7 - Vandenberg LF04. OT GT56M operational test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1970 December 18 - 01:00 GMT - Vandenberg LF05. OT GT58M operational test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1971 February 3 - Vandenberg LF24. FOT GT101F Follow-on Test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1971 February 5 - 05:20 GMT - Vandenberg LF04. OT GT60M operational test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1971 February 25 - 02:00 GMT - Vandenberg LF25. FOT GT102F Follow-on Test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1971 February 27 - Vandenberg LF04. OT GT80M operational test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1971 April 1 - 08:40 GMT - Vandenberg LF05. OT GT82M operational test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1971 May 19 - 06:20 GMT - Vandenberg LF24. FOT GT105F Follow-on Test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1971 May 21 - Vandenberg LF05. OT GT83M operational test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1971 May 24 - Vandenberg LF22. FOT GT103F Follow-on Test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1971 June 4 - Vandenberg LF04. OT GT81M operational test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1971 June 23 - Vandenberg LF05. OT GT84M operational test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1971 August 4 - Vandenberg LF25. FOT GT104F-1 Follow-on Test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1971 August 6 - 12:50 GMT - Vandenberg LF04. OT GT85M operational test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1971 August 13 - Vandenberg LF05. OT GT87M operational test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1971 September 2 - Vandenberg LF04. OT GT29M operational test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1971 September 10 - 11:00 GMT - Vandenberg LF05. OT GT89M operational test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1971 October 6 - Vandenberg LF25. OT GT86F operational test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1971 October 22 - 01:40 GMT - Vandenberg LF05. ERCS GT40L Communications mission Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1972 March 22 - 03:00 GMT - Vandenberg LF05. ERCS GT200L Communications mission Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1972 April 13 - Vandenberg LF05. OT GT88M operational test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1972 May 12 - Vandenberg LF05. FOT GT106M Follow-on Test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1972 June 13 - Vandenberg LF07. OBL/GIANT PATRIOT 1 test Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1972 June 20 - 16:45 GMT - Vandenberg LF05. FOT GT107M Follow-on Test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1972 July 26 - 05:10 GMT - Vandenberg LF07. Minuteman 2 Destruct test OBL/GIANT PATRIOT 2 test Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 21 km (13 mi).

1972 September 25 - 23:30 GMT - Vandenberg LF05. FOT GT108M Follow-on Test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1972 October 3 - Vandenberg LF04. FOT GT109M Follow-on Test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1972 October 20 - 09:05 GMT - Vandenberg LF02. FOT GT110M Follow-on Test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1972 December 22 - 04:55 GMT - Vandenberg LF07. FOT GT111M Follow-on Test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1973 April 18 - 04:25 GMT - Vandenberg LF02. FOT GT112M Follow-on Test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1973 June 27 - Vandenberg LF07. FOT GT114M Follow-on Test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1973 July 26 - Vandenberg LF05. ERCS GIANT MOON 4 Communications mission Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1973 August 2 - Vandenberg LF04. FOT GT113M Follow-on Test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1973 September 25 - Vandenberg LF04. FOT GT115M-1 Follow-on Test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1973 October 3 - 06:30 GMT - Vandenberg LF07. FOT GT116M Follow-on Test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1974 March 12 - Vandenberg LF05. ERCS GIANT MOON 5 Communications mission Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1974 March 28 - 04:00 GMT - Vandenberg LF07. FOT GT117M-1 Follow-on Test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1974 April 2 - Vandenberg LF02. FOT GT119M Follow-on Test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1974 July 9 - Vandenberg LF04. FOT GT120M Follow-on Test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1974 October 8 - 03:35 GMT - Vandenberg LF02. FOT GT118M Follow-on Test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1974 October 22 - 14:55 GMT - Vandenberg LF05. ERCS GIANT MOON 6 Communications mission Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1974 December 18 - 02:35 GMT - Vandenberg LF04. FOT GT121M Follow-on Test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1975 August 15 - 04:25 GMT - Vandenberg LF04. FOT GT122M-1 Follow-on Test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1975 September 5 - 04:25 GMT - Vandenberg LF05. ERCS GIANT MOON 7 Communications mission Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1975 September 16 - Vandenberg LF07. FOT GT123M-1 Follow-on Test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1975 September 23 - Vandenberg LF04. OSL Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1976 January 29 - Vandenberg LF07. FOT GT125M Follow-on Test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1976 February 19 - Vandenberg LF05. FOT GT126M Follow-on Test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1976 February 25 - 04:15 GMT - Vandenberg LF04. FOT GT124M Follow-on Test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1976 June 9 - Vandenberg LF07. FOT GT127M Follow-on Test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1976 June 22 - Vandenberg LF05. FOT GT128M Follow-on Test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1976 August 26 - Vandenberg LF07. FOT GT129M Follow-on Test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1976 October 26 - Vandenberg LF05. ERCS GIANT MOON 8 Communications mission Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1977 February 1 - Vandenberg LF07. FOT GT132M Follow-on Test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1977 June 28 - Vandenberg LF04. FOT GT134M Follow-on Test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1977 November 30 - Vandenberg LF07. FOT GT135M Follow-on Test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1978 June 3 - Vandenberg LF04. FOT GT136M Follow-on Test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1978 July 25 - Vandenberg LF09. FOT GT133M-1 Follow-on Test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1978 November 16 - Vandenberg LF07. FOT GT130M-2 Follow-on Test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1979 March 23 - Vandenberg LF07. FOT GT137M Follow-on Test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1979 July 16 - Vandenberg LF04. ERCS GIANT MOON 9 operational test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1979 September 25 - Vandenberg LF04. FOT GT138M Follow-on Test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1979 December 13 - Vandenberg LF07. FOT GT139M Follow-on Test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1980 February 23 - Vandenberg LF04. FOT GT140M Follow-on Test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1982 March 18 - Vandenberg LF04. FOT GT141MS Follow-on Test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1982 July 19 - Vandenberg LF04. FOT GT142M Follow-on Test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1982 October 14 - Vandenberg LF08. FOT GT143MS-1 Follow-on Test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1983 March 16 - Vandenberg LF08. FOT GT144MS Follow-on Test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1983 September 28 - Vandenberg LF04. FOT GT145MS Follow-on Test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1984 February 29 - Vandenberg LF04. FOT GT146MS Follow-on Test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1987 July 7 - Vandenberg LF04. FOT GT148M Follow-on Test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

1987 October 28 - Vandenberg LF04. FOT GT150M Follow-on Test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). The Minuteman II launch took place at sunset and created a spectacular show in the evening sky. Pictures of the event were interpreted to mean that the missile was detonated because it was off course. The flash was visible as far away as Salt Lake City. The Air Force claimed that it was a successful launch, but the alternative LA Weekly later said that it was indeed heading for Los Angeles and was destroyed. However high-altitude contrails and staging events, altered by winds aloft, can produce easily-misinterpreted visual displays.

1987 November 10 - 02:10 GMT - Vandenberg LF07. FAILURE: Failure. FOT GT149M Follow-on Test launch Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 0 km ( mi).

1996 September 27 - 16:51 GMT - Vandenberg LF03. Minuteman 2 MSLS IFT-Demo MSLS Agency: USAF AFMC. Apogee: 1,600 km (900 mi).

1997 January 17 - 01:17 GMT - Vandenberg LF03. Minuteman 2 MSLS IFT-1 IFT-1 EKV Target Target mission Agency: USAF AFMC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). Minuteman launched an MSLS target vehicle for the EKV anti-ballistic missile interceptor launched from Kwajalein Atoll.

1997 June 24 - 03:39 GMT - Vandenberg LF03. Minuteman 2 MSLS IFT-1A MSLS IFT-1A Target mission Agency: USAF AFMC. Apogee: 1,600 km (900 mi). RSLP (MSLS) IFT-1A. The target cluster consisted of 10 objects: one mock warhead, one bus (the stage of the missile which releases the warhead and decoys), and eight decoys. Three decoys were conical in shape, like the warhead, and five were spherical balloons. One balloon was large – 2.2 meters in diameter – and had a brighter IR signature than the mock warhead. The two medium-sized balloons were about as bright as the mock warhead; they did not deploy as expected and were not reliable parts of the testing program. The two small balloons were released via a canister and were much dimmer than the mock warhead.

1998 January 16 - 03:25 GMT - Vandenberg LF03. Minuteman 2 MSLS IFT-2 MSLS IFT-2 Target mission Agency: USAF AFMC. Apogee: 1,600 km (900 mi). The same decoy set used in IFT-1A was also used in IFT-2. The target cluster consisted of 10 objects: one mock warhead, the bus (the stage of the missile which releases the warhead and decoys), and eight decoys.

1999 October 3 - 02:01 GMT - Vandenberg LF03. Minuteman 2 MSLS IFT-3 MSLS IFT-3 Target mission Agency: USAF AFMC. Apogee: 1,600 km (900 mi). The only decoy used in IFT-3 was the large balloon from IFT-1A and IFT-2. It had an IR signature six times higher than that of the mock warhead. Because the decoy was so much brighter than the mock warhead, the EKV saw it first. Once the EKV realized that the balloon’s IR signature did not match the target data loaded prior to the test, the interceptor shifted to the nearby target.

2000 January 19 - 02:19 GMT - Vandenberg LF03. Minuteman 2 MSLS IFT-4 MSLS IFT-4 Target mission Agency: USAF AFMC. Apogee: 1,600 km (900 mi). The only decoy used was the single large balloon from the previous tests. Smaller balloons originally had been planned to be a part of IFT-4, but were dropped in an attempt to simplify the test.

2000 July 8 - 04:19 GMT - Vandenberg LF03. Minuteman 2 MSLS IFT-5 MSLS IFT-5 Target mission Agency: USAF AFMC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). A C-band transponder on the mock warhead provided location information; its data was compared against its GPS receiver to determine its accuracy. The only decoy used was the large balloon from previous tests. It did not inflate properly, causing MDA officials to use a different decoy in the future.

2001 July 15 - 02:40 GMT - Vandenberg LF03. Minuteman 2 MSLS IFT-6 IFT-6 GMDS target mission Agency: USAF AFMC. Apogee: 1,600 km (900 mi). The Minuteman II flew a suborbital trajectory with an apogee of around 1600 km and reentered near Kwajalein Atoll. The Boeing Minuteman II had an M55E1 first stage, an SR19 second stage and an M57A1 third stage. One large decoy balloon was used, 1.7 meters in diameter, slightly smaller than the balloon used earlier as a decoy. This new decoy still had an IR signature much brighter (approximately three times) than that of the mock warhead.