|
The UGM-73 Poseidon missile was the second US Navy nuclear-armed submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) system, powered by a two-stage solid-fuel rocket. It succeeded the UGM-27 Polaris beginning in 1972, bringing major advances in warheads and accuracy. It was followed by Trident I in 1979, and Trident II in 1990. ==Development== A development study for a longer range version of the Polaris missile achieved by enlarging it to the maximum possible size allowed by existing launch tubes started in 1963. Tests had already shown that Polaris missiles could be operated without problems in launch tubes that had their fiberglass liners and locating rings removed. The project was given the title Polaris B3 in November, but the missile was eventually named Poseidon C3 to emphasize the technical advances over its predecessor. The C3 was the only version of the missile produced, and it was also given the designation UGM-73A.〔(Poseidon C3 at Spaceline.com )〕 Slightly longer and considerably wider and heavier than Polaris A3, Poseidon had the same range, greater payload capacity, improved accuracy, and Multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle capability. Poseidon could deliver up to fourteen W68 thermonuclear warheads〔(Poseidon C3 at MissileThreat.com )〕 contained in Mark 3 reentry vehicles to multiple targets. As with Polaris, starting a rocket motor when the missile was still in the submarine was considered very dangerous. Therefore, the missile was ejected from its launch tube using high pressure steam produced by a solid-fueled boiler. The main rocket motor ignited automatically when the missile had risen approximately above the submarine. The first test launch took place on 16 August 1968, the first successful at-sea launch was from a surface ship, the historic (from July 1 to December 16, 1969), earning the ship the Meritorious Unit Commendation, and the first test launch from a submarine took place on the on 3 August 1970. The weapon officially entered service on 31 March 1971. It eventually equipped 31 -, -, and -class submarines. Beginning in 1979, 12 Poseidon-equipped SSBNs were refitted with Trident I. By 1992, the Soviet Union had collapsed, 12 Ohio-class submarines had been commissioned, and the START I treaty had gone into effect, so the 31 older Poseidon- and Trident I-armed SSBNs were disarmed, withdrawing Poseidon from service. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「UGM-73 Poseidon」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
|