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Country: USA
Type: IRBM
Introduction: 1984 |
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The MGM-31B Pershing II was an intermediate range ballistic missile (IRBM) deployed by the United States Army. Almost 380 Pershing II missiles were made. They were first deployed in West Germany from January 1984 and the European deployment was completed in late 1985 with a total of 108 launchers. The Pershing systems were scrapped following the ratification of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty on May 27, 1988. The missiles were withdrawn in October 1988. The last of the missiles were destroyed in May of 1991
Development of the Pershing II begain in 1973 when a task force was established to begin development of a follow on system to the Pershing I series. A contract went to Martin Marietta in 1975 and the first development launches of the Pershing II began in 1977. The Pershing II missile system packaged its warhead in a maneuverable re-entry vehicle (MARV) with active radar guidance. Using radar maps of the target area, the missile was said to have had an accuracy of 30 metres (100 ft) circular error probable. Pershing II was deemed a serious threat to Soviet command and control capabilities by the USSR.
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| General Information |
| Developed by |
USA |
| Deployed by |
U.S.Army(Europe) |
| Development Year |
1976 |
| Deployment Year |
1984 |
| Retirement Year |
1991 |
| Number deployed |
108(West Germany), 42(USA) |
| Contractor |
Martin Marietta Electronics and Missile Group |
| Dimensions and Performance |
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Length |
10.61m |
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Body Diameter |
1.02m |
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Launch Weight |
7,400kg |
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Range |
1,800km |
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Accuracy |
50m CEP |
| Components |
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Propulsion |
2-stage solid prppellant |
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Payload |
Single warhead |
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Warhead |
W-85 5-50kT nuclear |
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Guidance |
Inertial, Rader Horming |
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