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#240 by jacqmans on 13 Sep, 2021 13:20
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Northrop Grumman Supports Successful Flight Test for the Missile Defense Agency
News Releases
VANDENBERG, Calif. – Sept. 13, 2021 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC), under contract to Boeing, successfully completed a critical non-intercept flight test (BTV-03) of the Ground-Based Interceptor (GBI) for the U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA). The flight test successfully demonstrated company-developed software that enables upgraded booster capability and enhances America’s homeland defense.
“This flight test demonstrated a Northrop Grumman-designed upgrade that enables a new capability for the Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system,” said Scott Lehr, vice president and general manager, launch and missile systems defense, Northrop Grumman. “GMD is our nation’s only standing defense against rogue state long-range ballistic missiles, which is why we are committed to ensuring our country is always one step ahead of our adversaries.”
The GMD program is an element of the MDA’s Ballistic Missile Defense System. Its mission is to protect the United States by destroying intermediate- and long-range incoming ballistic missile threats in space. Northrop Grumman serves as a strategic partner to Boeing for the GMD program, providing the interceptor boost vehicle as well as the development, integration, operations and sustainment of the ground systems.
Northrop Grumman has provided critical elements of the GMD program for more than two decades. The company is also the leading provider of target vehicles to MDA, allowing U.S. missile defense systems to be operationally tested – validating their effectiveness in protecting our country, warfighters and allies.
https://news.northropgrumman.com/news/releases/northrop-grumman-supports-successful-flight-test-for-the-missile-defense-agency
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#241 by anik on 13 Sep, 2021 14:02
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GBI was launched from LF-24 as per video and photo.
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#242 by russianhalo117 on 13 Oct, 2021 17:52
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#243 by catdlr on 15 Oct, 2021 03:08
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The following is a Lockheed Martin news release:
U.S. Army Breaks New Ground As Lockheed Martin’s PrSM Completes Record-Setting Flight
Milestone advances Precision Strike Missile toward Early Operating Capability in 2023
DALLAS, October 14, 2021 – Lockheed Martin’s (NYSE: LMT) Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) completed its longest flight to date, exceeding maximum threshold, with the U.S. Army yesterday at Vandenberg Space Force Base (VSFB), California. This marks the fifth consecutive successful flight test for the missile.
Firing from a High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) launcher, the PrSM flew an extended range mission over the Pacific Ocean.
“The Precision Strike Missile continues to validate range and performance requirements,” said Paula Hartley, vice president of Tactical Missiles at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “Achieving this long-range milestone for the baseline missile demonstrates PrSM’s capability to meet our customer’s modernization priorities on a rapid timeline.”
The success comes on the heels of two U.S. Army contract awards issued in September for Early Operational Capability (EOC) production and Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) advancing the missile to the next phase of the PrSM program.
Lockheed Martin is working alongside the U.S. Army to optimize this next-gen system for the future – in everything from production to enhanced capabilities. Implementing digital tools such as augmented reality, advanced modeling and sim, machine learning/data analytics, and software factory to streamline efforts has helped accelerate PrSM’s development program with speed, agility and efficiency.
“We are also working closely with our Army partners to develop and integrate future incremental capabilities,” said Hartley.
The flight is the second of three demonstrations taking place this year as part of the Enhanced Technology Maturation and Risk Reduction (ETMRR) phase of the development program. The next flight is scheduled this fall as part of the U.S. Army’s Project Convergence 21.
The test missile was produced at Lockheed Martin’s new Long Range Precision Fires facility in Camden, Arkansas. This facility is a part of a $142 million investment to expand and enhance Lockheed Martin’s Precision Fires center of excellence. All missile and pod integration efforts will now be occurring in this adaptable, future-focused facility that is prepared to evolve with future warfighter needs.
For more than 40 years, Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control has been the leading designer and manufacturer of long-range, surface-to-surface precision strike solutions, providing highly reliable, combat-proven systems such as the Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS), HIMARS, Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) and Guided MLRS (GMLRS) to domestic and international customers.
For additional information, visit our website: www.lockheedmartin.com.
About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin Corporation is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 114,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. -
#244 by russianhalo117 on 29 Nov, 2021 23:29
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VSFB Video:
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#245 by catdlr on 16 Jul, 2022 02:44
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LAUNCH ALERT
Brian Webb
[email protected]
www.spacearchive.info
2022 July 15 (Friday) 17:10 PDT
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VANDENBERG SFB LAUNCH SCHEDULE
This schedule does not list launches that have not been publicly announced. All
launch dates and times are subject to change and are listed in 24-hour format.
Launch
Time/Window
Date (PST/PDT) Vehicle Pad/Silo
----------------- ----------------------- ------------------- -----------
JUL 21 10:13 Falcon 9 SLC-4E
Vehicle will launch several Starlink Internet satellites
Summer To be announced Alpha SLC-2W
Second flight of Firefly's Alpha rocket. Vehicle will launch several
small satellites into orbit
AUG To be announced Delta IV Heavy SLC-6
Vehicle will launch the classified NROL-91 payload into orbit for the
U.S. National Reconnaissance Office
NET SEP 24 To be announced Falcon 9 SLC-4E
Vehicle will launch SDA Tranche 0 satellites into orbit for the U.S.
Space Development Agency
NOV 1 To be announced Atlas V SLC-3E
Vehicle will launch the JPSS-2 environmental satellite and LOFTID
payload into orbit
NOV 15 To be announced Falcon 9 SLC-4E
Vehicle will launch the SWOT scientific satellite into orbit
The above schedule is a composite of unclassified information approved for
public release from government, industry, and other sources. It represents the
Editor's best effort to produce a schedule, but may disagree with other sources.
Details on military launches are withheld until they are approved for public
release. For official information regarding Vandenberg SFB activities, go to
https://www.vandenberg.spaceforce.mil/
All launch dates and times are given in Pacific Time using a 24-hour format
similar to military time (midnight = 00:00, 1:00 p.m. = 13:00, 11:00 p.m. = 23:00,
etc.).
The dates and times in this schedule may not agree with those on other online
launch schedules, including the official Vandenberg SFB schedule because
different sources were used, the information was interpreted differently, and the
schedules were updated at different times.
NET: No earlier than
PDT: Pacific Daylight Time
PST: Pacific Standard Time
SLC: Space Launch Complex
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright 2022, Brian Webb. All rights reserved. No portion of this newsletter
may be used without identifying Launch Alert as the source and providing a
functioning hyperlink or text that point to
http://www.spacearchive.info/newsletter.htm.
_____________________________________________________________ -
#246 by Targeteer on 16 Aug, 2022 01:25
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https://www.vandenberg.spaceforce.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3127721/
Unarmed Minuteman III test launch to showcase readiness of U.S. nuclear force's safe, effective deterrent
VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE, Calif. --
A scheduled, operational test launch of an Air Force Global Strike Command unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile is planned for Tuesday, Aug. 16 from 12:01 a.m. to 6:01 a.m. Pacific Time from north Vandenberg.
This test is routine and was scheduled years in advance. Consistent with previous test launches, this ICBM test launch will validate and verify the effectiveness, readiness and accuracy of the weapon system.
In accordance with standard procedures, the United States has transmitted a pre-launch notification pursuant to the Hague Code of Conduct, and notified the Russian government in advance, pursuant to New START obligations.
The purpose of the ICBM test launch program is to demonstrate the readiness of U.S. nuclear forces and provide confidence in the lethality and effectiveness of the nation's nuclear deterrent, according to Air Force Global Strike Command.
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#247 by Targeteer on 16 Aug, 2022 13:07
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https://www.afgsc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3128925/minuteman-iii-test-launch-showcases-readiness-of-us-nuclear-forces-safe-effecti/fbclid/minuteman-iii-test-launch-showcases-readiness-of-us-nuclear-forces-safe-effecti/
Minuteman III test launch showcases readiness of U.S. nuclear force's safe, effective deterrent
Published Aug. 16, 2022
Air Force Global Strike Command Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --
Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile equipped with a test re-entry vehicle from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, Aug. 16 at 12:49 a.m. Pacific Time to demonstrate the readiness of U.S. nuclear forces and provide confidence in the lethality and effectiveness of the nation’s nuclear deterrent.
This test launch is part of routine and periodic activities intended to demonstrate that the United States’ nuclear deterrent is safe, secure, reliable and effective to deter twenty-first century threats and reassure our allies. Such tests have occurred more than 300 times before, and this test is not the result of current world events.
The ICBM's reentry vehicle traveled approximately 4,200 miles to the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands. These test launches verify the accuracy and reliability of the ICBM weapon system, providing valuable data to ensure a continued safe, secure and effective nuclear deterrent.
“"Make no mistake - our nuclear triad is the cornerstone of the national security of our country and of our allies around the globe," said Col. Chris Cruise, 576th Flight Test Squadron Commander. “This scheduled test launch is demonstrative of how our nation’s ICBM fleet illustrates our readiness and reliability of the weapon system. It is also a great platform to show the skill sets and expertise of our strategic weapons maintenance personnel and of our missile crews who maintain an unwavering vigilance to defend the homeland.”
The test launch is a culmination of months of preparation that involve multiple government partners. The Airmen who perform this vital mission are some of the most skillfully trained and educated the Air Force has to offer.
Airmen from the 341st Missile Wing at Malmstrom AFB, Montana, 90th Missile Wing at F.E. Warren AFB, Wyoming, and 91st Missile Wing at Minot AFB, North Dakota, were selected for the task force to support the test launch. The three missile bases have crew members standing alert 24 hours a day, year-round, overseeing the nation’s ICBM alert forces.
"Our test launches are scheduled well in advance and are not reactionary to world events,” said Maj. Armand Wong, Task Force commander. “A meticulous planning process for each launch begins six-months to a year prior to launch. Our best Airmen from each of the three missile wings worked in conjunction with the 576th Flight Test Squadron to proudly showcase some very technical skills that comprise the heart of our nuclear deterrence mission.”
The ICBM community, including the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, and U.S. Strategic Command, uses data collected from test launches for continuing force development evaluation. The ICBM test launch program demonstrates the operational capability of the Minuteman III and ensures the United States’ ability to maintain a strong, credible nuclear deterrent as a key element of U.S. national security and the security of U.S. allies and partners.
Air Force Global Strike Command is a major command with headquarters at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, in the Shreveport-Bossier City community. The command overseas the nation's three intercontinental ballistic missile wings, the Air Force’s entire bomber force, to include B-52, B-1 and B-2 wings, the Long Range Strike Bomber program, Air Force Nuclear Command, Control and Communications systems, and operational and maintenance support to organizations within the nuclear enterprise. Approximately 33,700 professionals are assigned to two Numbered Air Forces, nine wings, two geographically-separated squadrons and one detachment in the continental United States and deployed to locations around the globe. More information can be found at: https://www.afgsc.af.mil/About/Fact-Sheets/Article/454593/air-force-global-strike-command-air-forces-strategic-air/.
The LG-35A Sentinel will replace the Minuteman III ICBM with an initial capability of 2029. Until full capability is achieved in the mid-2030s, the Air Force is committed to ensuring Minuteman III remains a viable deterrent. -
#248 by Targeteer on 16 Aug, 2022 13:40
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https://www.vandenberg.spaceforce.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3128929/unarmed-minuteman-iii-test-launch-from-vandenberg/fbclid/unarmed-minuteman-iii-test-launch-from-vandenberg/
UNARMED MINUTEMAN III TEST LAUNCH FROM VANDENBERG
By Senior Airman Daniel Sanchez, Vandenberg Space Force Base / Published August 16, 2022
missile streaking through the sky at night
Vandenberg Space Force Base -- An operational test launch of an Air Force Global Strike Command unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base Tuesday, Aug. 16, at 12:49 a.m. PT.
The purpose of the ICBM test launch program is to validate and verify the safety, security, effectiveness, and readiness of the weapon system, according to Air Force Global Strike Command. Col. Bryan Titus, Space Launch Delta 30 vice commander, was the launch decision authority.
"Tonight's success is due to the hard work and dedication of Guardians and Airmen from across Team Vandenberg whose contributions are vital to our nation's security," said Titus. "These test launches demonstrate the readiness of U.S. nuclear forces and provide confidence in the lethality and effectiveness of the nation's nuclear deterrent." -
#249 by edkyle99 on 16 Aug, 2022 21:45
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The summary video shows it was GT243 from VSFB LF-09 at 12:49 AM PDT, 16 August 2022. The missile was pulled from a silo at Minot AFB. It carried a single RV and went 4,200 mi to Kwajalein.
https://d34w7g4gy10iej.cloudfront.net/video/2208/DOD_109167877/DOD_109167877-1024x576-2000k.mp4
- Ed Kyle -
#250 by russianhalo117 on 17 Aug, 2022 23:23
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Official USSF filmed video for AFGSC:
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#251 by Yiosie on 06 Sep, 2022 23:28
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Unarmed Minuteman III test launch to showcase readiness of U.S. nuclear force's safe, effective deterrent [dated Sept. 6]Quote from: VSFB
A scheduled, operational test launch of an Air Force Global Strike Command unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile is planned for Wednesday, Sept. 7 from 12:01 a.m. to 6:01 a.m. Pacific Time from north Vandenberg. This test launch is a routine test scheduled years far in advance. Consistent with previous tests launches, this ICBM test launch will validate and verify the effectiveness and readiness and accuracy of the weapon system.
In accordance with standard procedures, the United States has transmitted a pre-launch notification pursuant to the Hague Code of Conduct, and notified the Russian government in advance, pursuant to New START treaty obligations.
The purpose of the ICBM test launch program is to demonstrate the readiness of U.S. nuclear forces and provide confidence in the lethality and safety, security and effectiveness of the nation's nuclear deterrent, according to Air Force Global Strike Command. -
#252 by Rondaz on 07 Sep, 2022 15:07
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Here's Marco's plot of the Minuteman flight path from Vandenberg to the Reagan Test Site at Kwajalein, from a few days ago
https://twitter.com/planet4589/status/1567523771585552385 -
#253 by Rondaz on 07 Sep, 2022 15:38
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Navigational Warnings suggest another #Minuteman-III unarmed #ICBM test-launch from #Vandenberg, California, in the period 7-14 Sept, targeting the Reagan Test Site at Kwajalein.
https://twitter.com/Marco_Langbroek/status/1566540451632619522
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#254 by Targeteer on 07 Sep, 2022 16:51
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https://www.vandenberg.spaceforce.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3149653/unarmed-minuteman-iii-test-launch-to-showcase-readiness-of-us-nuclear-forces-sa/fbclid/unarmed-minuteman-iii-test-launch-to-showcase-readiness-of-us-nuclear-forces-sa/
Unarmed Minuteman III test launch to showcase readiness of U.S. nuclear force's safe, effective deterrent
Space Launch Delta 30 / Published September 06, 2022
VSFB
PHOTO DETAILS / DOWNLOAD HI-RES 1 of 1
VSFB
0
PRINT | E-MAIL
VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE, Calif. --
A scheduled, operational test launch of an Air Force Global Strike Command unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile is planned for Wednesday, Sept. 7 from 12:01 a.m. to 6:01 a.m. Pacific Time from north Vandenberg. This test launch is a routine test scheduled years far in advance. Consistent with previous tests launches, this ICBM test launch will validate and verify the effectiveness and readiness and accuracy of the weapon system.
In accordance with standard procedures, the United States has transmitted a pre-launch notification pursuant to the Hague Code of Conduct, and notified the Russian government in advance, pursuant to New START treaty obligations.
The purpose of the ICBM test launch program is to demonstrate the readiness of U.S. nuclear forces and provide confidence in the lethality and safety, security and effectiveness of the nation's nuclear deterrent, according to Air Force Global Strike Command.
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#255 by Targeteer on 07 Sep, 2022 16:52
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Facebook Vandenberg Space Force Base
·
An Air Force Global Strike Command unarmed Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missile launches during an operational test at 1:13 A.M. PDT, Sept. 7, at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif. ICBM test launches demonstrate that the U.S. ICBM fleet is relevant, essential and key to leveraging dominance in an era of strategic competition. #MinutemanIII #SafeSecureReady #gt244 -
#256 by edkyle99 on 07 Sep, 2022 23:35
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Launch video here: Launched from VSFB LF-10 with three RVs(!) GT-244 operational test launch. https://www.defensenews.com/training-sim/2022/09/06/us-air-force-to-test-launch-nuclear-missile-wednesday-morning/
- Ed Kyle -
#257 by Steven Pietrobon on 08 Sep, 2022 06:58
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Minuteman III video. It was GT-244GM.
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#258 by catdlr on 10 Feb, 2023 12:48
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Minuteman III test launch showcases readiness of U.S. nuclear force's safe, effective deterrent
Published Feb. 10, 2023
Air Force Global Strike Command Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- A team of Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile equipped with a test reentry vehicle at 11:01 p.m. Pacific Time Feb. 9 from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California.
This test launch is part of routine and periodic activities intended to demonstrate that the United States’ nuclear deterrent is safe, secure, reliable and effective to deter twenty-first century threats and reassure our allies. Such tests have occurred over 300 times before, and this test is not the result of current world events.
“A test launch displays the heart of our deterrence mission on the world’s stage, assuring our nation and its allies that our weapons are capable and our Airmen are ready and willing to defend peace across the globe at a moment's notice,” said Gen. Thomas A. Bussiere, Air Force Global Strike Command commander.
The ICBM's reentry vehicle traveled approximately 4,200 miles to the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands. These test launches verify the accuracy and reliability of the ICBM weapon system, providing valuable data to ensure a continued safe, secure and effective nuclear deterrent.
“This launch showcases the redundancy and reliability of our strategic deterrence systems while sending a visible message of assurance to allies,” said Col. Christopher Cruise, 377th Test and Evaluation Group commander.
“This multilateral team reflects the precision and professionalism of our command, and our joint partners.”
Airmen from the 91st Missile Wing at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, were selected for the task force to support the test launch. The missile bases within Air Fore Global Strike Command have crew members standing alert 24 hours a day, year-round, overseeing the nation’s ICBM alert forces.
“This test launch is a culmination of months of preparation and collaboration across multiple Air Forces agencies,” said Maj. Martin Escarzaga, task force commander. “The Airmen who perform this mission of strategic deterrence are the best our nation has to offer. They work 365 days a year to maintain, support, operate, and secure this vital component of our nuclear triad.”
The ICBM community, including the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, and U.S. Strategic Command, uses data collected from test launches for continuing force development evaluation. The ICBM test launch program demonstrates the operational capability of the Minuteman III and ensures the United States’ ability to maintain a strong, credible nuclear deterrent as a key element of U.S. national security and the security of U.S. allies and partners.
Air Force Global Strike Command is a major command with headquarters at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, in the Shreveport-Bossier City community. The command overseas the nation's three intercontinental ballistic missile wings, the Air Force’s entire bomber force, to include B-52, B-1 and B-2 wings, the Long Range Strike Bomber program, Air Force Nuclear Command, Control and Communications systems, and operational and maintenance support to organizations within the nuclear enterprise. Approximately 33,700 professionals are assigned to two Numbered Air Forces, nine wings, two geographically-separated squadrons and one detachment in the continental United States and deployed to locations around the globe. More information can be found at: https://www.afgsc.af.mil/About/Fact-Sheets/Article/454593/air-force-global-strike-command-air-forces-strategic-air/.
The LG-35A Sentinel will replace the Minuteman III ICBM with an initial capability of 2029. Until full capability is achieved in the mid-2030s, the Air Force is committed to ensuring Minuteman III remains a viable deterrent.
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Article:
https://www.afgsc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3289352/minuteman-iii-test-launch-showcases-readiness-of-us-nuclear-forces-safe-effecti/
Video of the launch
https://d34w7g4gy10iej.cloudfront.net/video/2302/DOD_109450851/DOD_109450851-1024x576-2000k.mp4 -
#259 by edkyle99 on 10 Feb, 2023 18:50
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Minuteman 3 flew GT-245 mission from VSFB LF-10. Launch was at 0701 UTC February 10, 2023. One RV to Kwajalein Atoll. Crew from 91st MW. Staging events are crazy on these things! Makes 2023 the 65th consecutive year with a Minuteman launch if you include the first eight tethered "launches" during 1959-60. Those used a brief motor burn to test silo launch. The first all-up test flight took place on February 1, 1961, which makes 2023 the 63rd consecutive year with a "real" Minuteman flight.
- Ed Kyle