U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command conducted a test launch of an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on Nov. 5.

The test evaluated the reliability, operational readiness, and accuracy of the ICBM system, according to AFGSC.

AFGSC airmen from the 625th Strategic Operations Squadron used the Airborne Launch Control System from aboard a U.S. Navy E-6B Mercury aircraft to initiate the launch, testing the effectiveness and continuous availability of the ALCS, a backup command and control system for the ICBM force, according to AFGSC.

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The test launch was a “comprehensive assessment to verify and validate the ICBM system’s ability to perform its critical mission,” Lt. Col. Karrie Wray, commander of the 576th Flight Test Squadron, said in a release. “The data collected during the test is invaluable in ensuring the continued reliability and accuracy of the ICBM weapon system.”

Air Force scheduled to conduct ICBM test launch

Vandenberg serves as the testing ground for the effort and the test launch if part of a “series of routine and periodic activities crucial to assessing and validating the Minuteman III’s capabilities. These tests, conducted with stringent safety protocols, allow AFGSC to collect valuable data,” according to the Air Force.

The 377th Test and Evaluation Group is the Air Force’s only dedicated ICBM test organization and oversaw the planning and execution of the test launch.

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The unarmed ICBM’s reentry vehicle traveled about 4,200 miles to the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command’s Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site at the Kwajalein Atoll in the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

The Reagan Test Site is equipped with advanced sensors, including high-fidelity metric and signature radars, optical sensors, and telemetry to collect data during the terminal phase of flight.

Air Force completes ICBM test launch

RTS team members analyze this data to evaluate system performance and support the research, development, test, and evaluation of America’s defense and space programs.

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Airmen from all three AFGSC missile wings comprised the task force supporting the test launch, while maintainers from the 90th Missile Wing at F.E. Warren AFB in Wyoming provided maintenance support.

The Air Force is currently modernizing the Minuteman system with Sentinel, but must maintain readiness of the existing system in the meantime.