Minuteman

A Technical History of the Missile That Defined American Nuclear Warfare

By: David Stumpf

Narrated by: Douglas R Pratt

In Minuteman: A Technical History of the Missile That Defined American Nuclear Warfare, David K. Stumpf demystifies the intercontinental ballistic missile program that was conceived at the end of the Eisenhower administration as a key component of the US nuclear strategy of massive retaliation. Although its nuclear warhead may have lacked power relative to that of the Titan II, the Minuteman more than made up for this in terms of numbers and readiness to launch - making it the ultimate ICBM.

Minuteman offers a fascinating look at the technological breakthroughs necessary to field this weapon system that has served as a powerful component of the strategic nuclear triad for more than half a century. With exacting detail, Stumpf examines the construction of launch and launch control facilities; innovations in solid propellant, lightweight inertial guidance systems, and lightweight reentry vehicle development; and key flight tests and operational flight programs - all while situating the Minuteman program in the context of world events. In doing so, the author reveals how the historic missile has adapted to changing defense strategies - from counterforce to mutually assured destruction to sufficiency.

The book is published by The University of Arkansas Press. The audiobook is published by University Press Audiobooks.

“An exceptionally important contribution to the historiography of air power and the strategic triad.” (Roger D. Launius, author of Reaching for the Moon)

“An important addition to the literature on the history of US strategic missiles." (Christopher John Gainor, author of The Bomb and America’s Missile Age)

“A timely and valuable contribution.” (Leonard H. Caveny, former director of science and technology, Ballistic Missile Defense Organization)

©2020 The University of Arkansas Press (P)2021 Redwood Audiobooks

Extremely detailed and well researched.

What really struck me is how these weapons are actually designed to be used, at any moment, of any day, they are ready to fly in under a minute. These weapons are not "show pieces" or "bargaining chips", although politicians use them this way. These missiles are ready to destroy enemies of the U.S. instantly, accurately, and mercilessly.

This book is an excellent technical account if the development of Minuteman and all of the challenges faced by the development teams. I wound have liked more discussion about the politics and current state of world affairs, but there are other sources for that.This book is too detailed at times leaving the listener glazed over, but other details discussed are fascinating, such as the collimator alignment required for MM1, the effect of ground water tables on silos in the event of a Soviet first strike, and the time it takes for MM to realign itself for a retaliatory launch. Amazing.

Terrible narrator

The narrator sounds like a Muppet. It really does ruin the experience and detract from learning.

Who knew Armageddon could be so dull?

This book has a plethora of information about the weapons system, and gives much insight into the level of engineering and detail that was required to make it function. That said, if you’re looking for an actual story, look somewhere else. This is very much a technical manual, chock full of specifications and procedures. If you’re a fan of the television show “How it’s made”, this book is right up your alley.

An Incredible Technical History

As thorough as I could have hoped for. Tedious at times, but that is just the nature of the subject matter. And while I agree that the narrator needs to know how to convey acronyms properly, I quickly got used to it. An important work on an important device. Well done.

Very insightful

It was very insightful on the Minuteman program. A very good book. Recommended for those working DoD programs.