Pershing II

The display reads:

 

Pershing II

MGM-31A

 

In 1983 the new Pershing II Missile System was introduced to replace the Pershing I A Missile System then in service.

 

The Pershing II continued to utilize the existing missile, but introduced a new terminally guided re-entry vehicle which could be guided to the target to replace the older ballistic warhead. The margin of error was reduced from 1,200 feet to 120 feet radius, consequently a smaller warhead was fitted to reduce unintentional damage to areas surrounding the target.

 

The two-stage, solid-propellant missile can be maneuvered to overfly the target, then return to attack it. It can also perform evasive maneuvers to protect itself from enemy counter-measures.

 

The Pershing II Missile System was a decisive factor in the adoption of the Intermediate Nuclear Forces Treaty between the Soviet Union and the United States banning long range systems.

 

Length: 10.5 meters (34.8 ft.)

Diameter: 1 meter (39 in.)

Weight: 7,462 kg (16,451 lbs.)

Guidance: Inertial, terminally-guided warhead

Range: 1,816 km (1,118 miles)

 

Museum Acc. # 90.14.1

 

Taken December 26th, 2010.

 

Done