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Thiokol Peacekeeper (missile)
Thiokol · Ballistic · USA · Cold War (1970–1991)
The LGM-118 Peacekeeper, originally known as the MX for "Missile, Experimental", was a MIRV-capable intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) produced and deployed by the United States from 1986 to 2005. The missile could carry up to eleven Mark 21 reentry vehicles, each armed with a 300-kiloton W87 warhead. Plans called for building and deploying up to 200 MX ICBMs, but budgetary and political concerns limited the final procurement; only 50 entered service. Disarmament treaties signed after the Peacekeeper's development led to its withdrawal from service in 2005.
Specifications
- Category
- Missiles
- Sub-Category
- Ballistic
- Domain
- Defence
- Era
- Cold War (1970–1991)
- Country
- USA
- Manufacturer
- Thiokol
- Co-Manufacturer
- Hercules / Aerojet
- Operator
- USA
- Primary Role
- Ballistic
- Status
- Retired
- Service Entry
- 1986
- Produced
- 50
- Propulsion
- Rocket
- Engine
- Thiokol/Hercules/Aerojet solid 4-stage rocket
- Thrust / Power
- None (rocket)
- Launch
- Silo-launched
- Length (ft)
- 71
- MTOW (lb)
- 195000
- Payload (lb)
- 7800
- Service Ceiling (ft)
- 900000
- Range (mi)
- 7000
- Max Speed (mph)
- 16107
- Max Speed (Mach)
- 21
- Armament
- Nuclear (10 x W87 MIRV 300 kT)