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Poseidon (missile)
Lockheed Missiles & Space · Ballistic · USA · Cold War (1970–1991)
The UGM-73 Poseidon missile was the second US Navy nuclear-armed submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) system, powered by a two-stage solid-fuel rocket. It succeeded the UGM-27 Polaris beginning in 1972, bringing major advances in warheads and accuracy. It was followed by Trident I in 1979, and Trident II in 1990.
Specifications
- Category
- Missiles
- Sub-Category
- Ballistic
- Domain
- Defence
- Era
- Cold War (1970–1991)
- Country
- USA
- Manufacturer
- Lockheed Missiles & Space
- Operator
- USA
- Primary Role
- Ballistic
- Status
- Retired
- Service Entry
- 1971
- Produced
- 620
- Propulsion
- Rocket
- Engine
- Hercules solid-fuel 2-stage rocket
- Thrust / Power
- None (rocket)
- Launch
- Sub-launched
- Length (ft)
- 34
- MTOW (lb)
- 65000
- Payload (lb)
- 2500
- Service Ceiling (ft)
- 900000
- Range (mi)
- 3100
- Max Speed (mph)
- 6136
- Max Speed (Mach)
- 8
- Armament
- Nuclear (10 x W68 MIRV 40 kT)