Minuteman intercontinental ballistic missile

Also known as

LGM-30G
LGM-30G Minuteman III
Minuteman III
LGM-30 Minuteman

The Minuteman intercontinental ballistic missile is the United States' land-based strategic nuclear missile family, built by Boeing and fielded in hardened silos. The current Minuteman III generation remains the silo-launched, solid-fuel component of the U.S. nuclear triad, with official sources describing its long-range reach and three-warhead design lineage.

Minuteman intercontinental ballistic missile, Intercontinental ballistic missile, Munitions

Image source: Unarmed Minuteman III ICBM launch - operational test - Vandenberg Space Force Base - May 21 2025.jpg

Profile / Specs

Profile

Origin: United States
Built by: Boeing Co.
Type: Intercontinental ballistic missile
Service note: 1970-present
Designed: 1950s
Produced: 1968-1978

ballistic missile strategic deterrence nuclear

Specifications

Role: Land-based strategic nuclear missile
Guidance: Inertial guidance
Propulsion: Three-stage solid-fuel rocket
Launch mode: Silo-launched from hardened launch facilities
Range: More than 6,000 miles (9,600 km)
Weight: About 79,432 lb (36,030 kg)
Payload: Originally designed for up to three reentry vehicles; current U.S. load is treaty-limited

Carrier Aircraft

The National Museum of the United States Air Force says the C-5A Galaxy can accommodate two Minuteman intercontinental ballistic missiles.

Carrier

Carrier type

Carriage evidence

C-5 Galaxy, Strategic airlifter / transport aircraft family, Aircraft & UAVs

Strategic airlifter

The National Museum of the United States Air Force says the C-5A Galaxy can accommodate two Minuteman intercontinental ballistic missiles.

Sources: National Museum C-5A Galaxy

Service And Conflict Use

Service History

In service: Current land-based leg of the U.S. nuclear triad; first deployed in 1970.
Used by: United States Air Force

Media

Minuteman intercontinental ballistic missile Images

Minuteman intercontinental ballistic missile, Intercontinental ballistic missile, Munitions - view 1 — Source: Minuteman3launch.jpg

Minuteman intercontinental ballistic missile, Intercontinental ballistic missile, Munitions - view 2 — Source: Minuteman III Launch Control.JPG

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Sources

Minuteman III (LGM-30G)Publisher: Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center | Note: Supports the current Minuteman III land-based strategic deterrent role and general service context. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 Boeing LGM-30G Minuteman IIIPublisher: National Museum of the United States Air Force | Note: Supports Boeing manufacturer context, Minuteman III family background, silo launch context, and key technical characteristics. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 America's Nuclear TriadPublisher: U.S. Department of Defense | Note: Supports the Minuteman III role in the U.S. nuclear triad and the reported contractor and performance data shown on the page. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 National Museum C-5A GalaxyPublisher: National Museum of the United States Air Force | Note: Supports the C-5A Galaxy fact sheet statement that the aircraft can accommodate two Minuteman intercontinental ballistic missiles. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 Unarmed Minuteman III ICBM launch - operational test - Vandenberg Space Force Base - May 21 2025.jpgPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Image provenance and licensing page for the primary Minuteman gallery image. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 Minuteman3launch.jpgPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Image provenance and licensing page for the launch image used in the gallery. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 Minuteman III Launch Control.JPGPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Image provenance and licensing page for the launch-control image used in the gallery. | Accessed: 2026-06-27