The future of the U.S. intercontinental ballistic missile force / Lauren Caston [et al.]

Format:

Book

Government document

Author/Creator:

Caston, Lauren.

Contributor:

Rand Corporation.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Intercontinental ballistic missiles--United States.

Intercontinental ballistic missiles.

Minuteman (Missile).

Physical Description:

1 online resource (xxvii, 156 pages) : illustrations (some color).

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

RAND Corporation 2014

Santa Monica, Ca : RAND Corporation, 2014.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

The authors assess alternatives for a next-generation intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) across a broad set of potential characteristics and situations. They use the current Minuteman III as a baseline to develop a framework to characterize alternative classes of ICBMs, assess the survivability and effectiveness of possible alternatives, and weigh those alternatives against their cost.

Contents:

Cover; Title Page; Copyright; Preface; Contents; Figures; Tables; Summary; Acknowledgments; Abbreviations; CHAPTER ONE: Roles of Strategic Nuclear Forces; Deterring a Nuclear Attack on the United States; Preventing an Arms Race; Compatibility with Future Arms Control Agreements; Maintaining Warfighting Capabilities; Deterring Regional Nuclear Powers; An ICBM for a New Generation of Challenges; Purpose and Organization of This Report; CHAPTER TWO: A Framework for ICBM Design Decisions; CHAPTER THREE: ICBM Basing; Survivability of the Current Silo-Based Force; Increased Accuracy

Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicles Launch Under Attack; The Impact of Arms Control; Options for Basing Alternatives; Conclusion; CHAPTER FOUR: Effectiveness and Lethality; ICBM Propulsion; ICBM Boost Characteristics; Avoiding Overflight of Russia and China; Plane Changes; Southern Launches; Alternative Launch Locations; Geographical Coverage of the Current Minuteman III ICBM Force; Geographical Coverage with Expanded Basing; Improving Missile Accuracy; Maneuvering Flight and Reentry Vehicles; ICBM Payload; Conclusion; CHAPTER FIVE: The Cost of ICBM Alternatives

Current Plans for ICBM Modernization ICBM Future Force Options; No Replacement System Categories; Basic Sustainment; Indefinite Incremental Modernization; Replacement System Categories; New-Build Modernized Minuteman; All-New Silo-Based Missile; All-New Mobile-Based Missile on Existing Federal Lands; All-New Mobile-Based Missile on New Lands; Initial Cost Ranges; Minuteman III Total Annual Costs; Out-Year Minuteman III Modernization Programs Are Underfunded or Unfunded; Cost Considerations When a Follow-On System Is Anticipated; ICBM Cost Estimates Relevant to Potential Follow-On Systems

Cost Estimates for Selected Possible Future Force Options Rough Cost Estimates by Category; Cost Conclusions; CHAPTER SIX: Conclusions; ICBM Cost Implications for the Upcoming Analysis of Alternatives; Options for Survivable Basing; Propulsion, Boost, Reentry, and Payload Options for ICBM Effectiveness; ICBM Force-Size Reduction Implications; APPENDIX: Manpower Thresholds; Bibliography

Notes:

Description based upon print version of record.

Includes bibliographical references.

Description based on print version record.

ISBN:

0-8330-7626-4

0-8330-7628-0

OCLC:

869141299