HomeCSDSArticle Display


Redirecting...

Air Force conducts third Sentinel static fire test

  • Published
  • By Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center Public Affairs
  • Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center
ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, Tenn. --  

Shown is an illustration of the LGM-35A Sentinel, the Air Force’s newest weapon system known as the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent. The new designation, approved by Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall, modernizes the intercontinental ballistic missile leg of the Nation’s nuclear triad. (U.S. Air Force illustration)

Shown is an illustration of the LGM-35A Sentinel, the Air Force’s newest weapon system known as the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent. The new designation, approved by Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall, modernizes the intercontinental ballistic missile leg of the Nation’s nuclear triad. (U.S. Air Force illustration)
Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
The Air Force, Northrop Grumman and Aerojet Rocketdyne conducted today a static fire test for the Stage-3 solid rocket motor of the LGM-35A Sentinel weapon system at the Arnold Engineering and Development Complex, Arnold Air Force Base, Tennessee.

This closed chamber test is the third in a series of static fire tests during Sentinel’s development to validate the design and performance of Sentinel's three-stage propulsion system. The Stage-3 SRM is the smallest of Sentinel’s three stages and the third SRM to fire following the missile’s launch. 

“This test is the latest in our ground and flight test program and is designed to help us refine Sentinel’s air vehicle design. It demonstrates the progress the Air Force is making on modernizing our nation's strategic land-based nuclear deterrent,” said Maj. Gen. John Newberry, Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center commander and Air Force program executive officer for strategic systems.
 

The Air Force plans to replace the fielded Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile with the next-generation Sentinel system currently in development. The Sentinel acquisition program is responsible for the modernization of the land-based leg of the U.S. nuclear triad. While the Sentinel will replace the LGM-30G Minuteman III ICBM, until full capability is achieved, the Air Force is committed to ensuring the Minuteman III remains a viable deterrent.

For more information on the Sentinel program visit: https://www.afgsc.af.mil/Sentinel-GBSD/