(U) Ballistic Missile Replacement (BMR)

(The effects of any budget/program decisions made since the information was collected during 1997-98 are NOT reflected in the National Security Space Road Map (NSSRM).)

Overview: (U)
(U)  The Ballistic Missile Replacement (BMR) concept is designed to be used as a nuclear ICBM to replace Minuteman, a Conventional Ballistic Missile.  It will be used to deliver conventional payloads to dispersed global targets, as a ballistic missile interceptor in a National Missile Defense role, and to launch small, time critical payloads into low earth orbit. 

Description: (U)
(U) The Ballistic Missile Replacement will have multiple uses.  While being used in a Force Application role, the ballistic missile replacement would be designed to deploy a single reentry vehicle (BRV, MNRV, MNNRV, or CAV), with a throw weight of 2,000 pounds over 7,500 nautical miles. The reentry vehicle options can deliver nuclear weapons with sufficient accuracy to achieve assigned SIOP missions should deterrence fail.  The RV could utilize advanced reentry vehicle aeroshells with a multitude of warheads.  Variations on warheads could be utilized depending on mission requirements. 

(U) The conventional use for the BMR is to replace aged or depleted Rocket System Launch Program assets.  The BMR could deliver a conventionally armed CAV or Modified Non-nuclear RV to any location on the globe within an hour.  Refer to the CAV section of this document to see the various payloads and missions for which a conventionally armed CAV can be utilized.  Descriptions for the BMR delivered CAV and the CBM delivered CAV do not differ.

(U) The BMR could also be used to deliver kinetic kill vehicles (KKVs) or missile interceptors against incoming ICBMs targeted for the United States.  Additionally, the BMR could be used to launch small payloads into orbit.  The BMR has an inherent capability to launch quickly, and can be used to insert small communications or surveillance satellites into a theater of operations to support theater CINCs. 

User Impact: (U)
(U) Space offers global coverage, quick response, and reduced risk to our forces.  This concept would give the user, US Space Command and USSTRATCOM, the capability to strike targets through space by non-nuclear means, as well as maintaining the nuclear triad.  The importance to the warfighter is that this weapon system would provide the capability for prompt, on-demand precision strike, flexible strike for different types of targets such as hard and deeply buried targets and also mobile targets, and flexible effects to satisfy delay, deny, destroy deficiencies. The booster also has applications for National Missile Defense and tactical launch. The BMR's primary mission will be to replace Minuteman, and serve as the next ICBM in the TRIAD. It will serve in a strategic role, providing nuclear deterrence for the U.S. 

Programmatics: (U)
(U) Concept/Technology.
	(U) IOC: 10/2006 (1QFY2007).
		(U)  The IOC for the Ballistic Missile Replacement Program is actually FY18.  The date listed is for roadmap purposes and represents the program start date.

Related Initiatives: (U)
(U) CBM with Common Aero-Vehicle, CBM with MNNRV

Related Requirements: (U)
(U) None.

Related Categories: (U)
(U) ICBM Sustainment, ICBM Sustainment

Road Map Placements: (U)
(U) FORCE APPLICATION, National Security Space Road Map.

Lead Office: (U)
(U) Air Force.

Date of Information: (U)
01 April 1996

(The effects of any budget/program decisions made since the information was collected during 1997-98 are NOT reflected in the National Security Space Road Map (NSSRM).)