U.S. MGM-29 Sergeant Missile

U.S. MGM-29 Sergeant Missile. . The Sergeant Missile System, the first large U.S. solid-propellant missile, was designed to succeed the Corporal Missile. The first Sergeant Missile flew in 1956 and was fielded in 1962. Seven U.S. Army battalions and three West German battalions were equipped with this system. The Sergeant battery originally consisted of one semi-trailer and four cargo trucks carrying the missile and ancillary equipment. This was later changed to three semi-trailer trucks and one cargo truck. The inertial guidance system was pre-programmed with target information and was invulnerable to known counter-measures. The single-stage solid rocket motor burned to full thrust achieving a speed of Mach 3.5. The guidance system controlled range by deploying air brakes and manipulating rudders on the stabilizing fins. Warheads were either conventional high-explosive or nuclear. The Sergeant was intended to attack Soviet troop concentrations, nuclear delivery and communication systems and command and supply installations. Four Sergeant battalions were deployed to West Germany, one to Italy, one to South Korea and one at Fort Sill. The Sergeant Missile System was replaced in the mid-1970s by the Lance Missile System. The last Sergeant unit was deactivated in 1977., Length - 34 ft. 6 in. - 10.6 m , Weight - 10,000 lbs. - 4,530 kg , Range - 25 to 84 miles - 40 to 135 km , Warhead - High-explosive or 60 kT Nuclear , CCN# 109148, 109149