Next Generation Subway system coming to America.

[Paul E Ester]

The Air Force will soon ask industry for help in planning how to modernize the ground-based leg of the nuclear triad, eying a big-ticket acquisition effort to either maintain the Minuteman III missile or replace it with a new ICBM that could be hidden in a custom-built underground subway system.
<Snip>

Of these approaches, the most bold -- and potentially most expensive -- would be the "new tunnel" concept. It would require a vast underground subway-like network of pathways to shuttle new missiles around to multiple launch portals, any of which of could be used to fire the missile. "The tunnel concept mode operates similar to a subway system but with only a single transporter/launcher and missile dedicated to a given tunnel," states the notice. "The tunnel is long enough to improve survivability but leaving enough room to permit adequate 'rattle space' in the event of an enemy attack."

Unmanned cars, either on rails or in "trackless" mode, would move along the tunnels and, in a doomsday scenario, use any one of the launch portals that would be built at "regular" intervals to allow the transporter to raised and fire the missile.

The "new fixed" concept calls for a new "super-hardened" silo capable of withstanding "ground shock levels."

The mobile concept would involve a new ICBM on a "transporter erector launcher" that is capable of off-road deployment -- one that could "leave government land to increase survivability." This system should be able to launch up to two Mk12A or Mk21 reentry vehicles, which house thermonuclear warheads.

"Guidance needs to account for the deployed mode to ensure adequate accuracy is achieved while maintaining prompt responsive capabilities," states the solicitation.

http://insidedefense.com/201303122427355/Inside-Defense-General/Public-Articles/air-force-readies-contracts-to-shape-minuteman-iii-modernization-plans/menu-id-926.html

[HiPointDem]

1. subways ok for missles; 'too expensive' for people. our ruling class is morally bankrupt.

[msongs]

3. just think of them as drones, everyone from obama on down will worship them then nt

[Initech]

4. There's profit to be had in war, not so much us.

[HiPointDem]

5. The profit in war comes directly from us.

[Egalitarian Thug]

7. Especially in a make-believe war that nobody will ever fight.

The branches are all busily manufacturing bogey-man fantasies to keep the fools afraid of shadows and the gravy train running.

[longship]

2. Dr. Strangelove?

What about the subway gap?

[Paul E Ester]

17. 10 to 1 ratio. Thats one way to get the brass on board.

I need to watch this movie again, when I saw it the first time many years ago I am sure a lot of the nuance went over my head.

[olddots]

6. thanks for the link

the department of defense was once called the WAR department but they softened the name for the public.

[Victor_c3]

8. Yup. It is harder to cut your defense budget that it is to cut your war budget

especially when you aren't at war with anyone.

I'm a big fan of returning the name of the DOD back to "Department of War".

[PCIntern]

9. Well this is a big relief...

I was up nights worrying that I didn't have be up nights thinking about thermonuclear war. Now I can not sleep peacefully.

[bulloney]

10. Faux Snooze viewers probably think this is about a new chain of sandwich restaurants.

[CosmicDustBunny]

11. Why bother? If enough nuclear weapons come at us to justify such movement,...

... the nuclear winter would be enough to kill the entire planet without our having to respond with a single missile. It's silly. What are we going to be defending? As soon as NORAD detects a launch, we would counter launch. The entire volly would be over before they could move a single missile. Sounds like one of those "unnecessary expenditures" the GOP keeps talking about to me.

[DisgustipatedinCA]

12. Isn't this just a rehash of the old MX missile system?

Weren't there underground tracks for the MX also, so that we could continue to wage nuclear war long after everyone on the planet was dead?

Also, given the sad state of our public transportation system, it's ironic to note our newest "subway system".

[baldguy]

15. Sounds like it.

Another multi-billion dollar boondoggle left over from the ancient days of St Reagan.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

18. The MX missile system was supposed to be above ground

but camouflaged.

One comedian asked, "Why don't we just paint moustaches on the missiles?"

[MineralMan]

13. Unnecessary, Expensive, and Elaborate.

Sounds like a typical military project.

[99Forever]

14. This kind of crap....

.. is what has condemned this Nation to it's well deserved end.

[FarCenter]

16. China has one -- We have to have one too!

Georgetown students shed light on China’s tunnel system for nuclear weapons

http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2011-11-29/world/35280981_1_nuclear-weapons-georgetown-students-military-journals

[Paul E Ester]

19. Nice catch thank you...nt