Difference between revisions of "UGM-73 Poseidon"
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| − | The '''UGM-73 Poseidon''' is a [[United States]] [[submarine]]-based intermediate-range two-stage missile with a nuclear warhead. It was the second of the United States submarine-based nuclear weapons delivery systems, replacing the [[UGM-27 Polaris]]. It had the same range as the Polaris, but was more accurate. It was replaced by the [[Trident I]] in 1979. | + | The '''UGM-73 Poseidon''' is a [[United States]] [[submarine]]-based [[IRBM|intermediate-range]] two-stage missile with a nuclear warhead. It was the second of the United States submarine-based nuclear weapons delivery systems, replacing the [[UGM-27 Polaris]]. It had the same range as the Polaris, but was more accurate. It was replaced by the [[Trident I]] in 1979. |
==Development== | ==Development== | ||
Latest revision as of 22:43, May 1, 2017
The UGM-73 Poseidon is a United States submarine-based intermediate-range two-stage missile with a nuclear warhead. It was the second of the United States submarine-based nuclear weapons delivery systems, replacing the UGM-27 Polaris. It had the same range as the Polaris, but was more accurate. It was replaced by the Trident I in 1979.
Development
The Poseidon was developed not so much as a retaliatory weapon against the Soviet Union but as a weapon to target SAM sites, radar sites, and enemy bases. This would allow bombers and ICBMs a clear pathway through. It never completely replaced the Polaris; the Trident did that.
Specifications
UGM-73A Poseidon C3
| Type | SLBM |
| Contractor | Lockheed Martin |
| Power plant | Two-stage solid-propellant rocket |
| Length | 34 feet, 2 inches |
| Diameter | 74 inches |
| Weight | 64,400 pounds |
| Range | 2500 miles |
| Warhead | 10 or 14 W69 MIRVs with 50 kt yield each |