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...Soviets have begun flight-testing two new models of ICBMs while improving the accuracy and hardening the silos of existing ones. "The Soviets have deployed more highly accurate MX-like ICBM warheads in each of the past three years than are contained in our entire MX program," said Weinberger. "They possess the ability to destroy a large percentage of our own Minuteman ICBMs in their silos, while still providing a substantial, and largely invulnerable, reserve...
...striking aspect of the report is how closely the Soviet developments parallel the weapons strategy pursued by the West. One of the two new ICBMs being tested by Moscow, for example, is similar in size and range to the proposed MX; the other is mobile, similar in concept to what some analysts have proposed for the U.S. The Soviets are also trying to counter U.S. naval superiority with a nuclear carrier resembling the Nimitz and missile-carrying nuclear submarines comparable to the Tridents. The Blackjack bomber is intended to fill the role proposed for America...
...Carter and others have urged. Now the spreading suspicion that billions are being wasted is chipping away at that consensus. Most of the attention has thus far been focused on apocalyptic strategic issues: How can we best deter or fight an all-out nuclear war? Should we deploy new MX missiles in the U.S. and Pershing II missiles in Europe? But only 9% of the U.S. defense budget is spent on nuclear deterrence; the rest goes to the materiel and manpower to fight conventional battles and prevent them from escalating into nuclear exchanges...
...second phase reportedly would involve deploying thousands of smaller missiles, either in much deeper holes or on special mobile launchers. The mobile option would provide the deception that the MX lacked, either in Minuteman silos or in the rejected Dense Pack proposal to cluster 100 missiles at a single site. While a small mobile missile has long been considered by the Pentagon, no significant funds have been spent in developing it. Its deployment, experts estimate, could not begin for at least seven years...
...study by Boeing Aerospace Co. suggests the feasibility of producing a 38-ft. intercontinental ballistic missile (SICBM) that would have a range comparable to the 7,500 miles covered by the 71-ft. MX. Its single warhead would probably carry a 500-kiloton punch, in contrast to MX's ten warheads, each with a 330-kiloton, independently targeted payload. Some Pentagon experts contend that a design breakthrough will permit the small missile to be moved about on a heavily armored vehicle dubbed the Armadillo. This launcher would be anchored when firing and be stable enough to handle the missile...