Initial fielding of replacement guidance sets for the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile has been completed as part of the $5.6 billion ICBM prime integration contract awarded to TRW by the US Air Force in 1997.
Boeing produces the guidance sets under subcontract to TRW, which received $152 million last year for full rate production. The upgrade will extend the service life of the land-based ICBM beyond the year 2020. The fleet of 500 Minuteman missiles will receive the upgrade by 2008.
The programme is one of three Minuteman life extension efforts being implemented by TRW.
The propulsion replacement programme will provide three new solid rocket motor stages for the ballistic missile, while the propulsion system rocket engine life extension programme will extend the operational life of its liquid propulsion upper stage.
Ten missile guidance sets are deployed on operational missiles at Malmstrom AFB, Montana.
Source: Flight International