The Long-Range Standoff (LRSO) Cruise Missile and its Role in Future Nuclear Forces

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Abstract:

The United States has a nuclear triad that consists of ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs), land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), B-52 bombers, and B-2 bombers. The non-stealthy B-52 relies entirely on the AGM-86 Air-Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM) in the nuclear role, whereas the B-2 penetrates enemy airspace to drop unguided bombs. The current SSBNs, ICBMs, ALCMs, and B61 bombs will all reach end of life between the early 2020s (for the B61 bomb) and the early 2040s, whereas the B-52 should last until at least 2045 and the B-2 should last until at least 2050. Programs are well under way for a new SSBN, a new bomber, and the B61-12 guided bomb, whereas programs have just started for a new ICBM and for the Long-Range Standoff (LRSO) cruise missile that is planned to replace the AGM-86. Among these programs, the LRSO is the most controversial and (probably) the one at most risk of cancellation. Analyses presented here suggest that LRSO is critical to the future of the triad and should not be terminated or delayed.

Author(s):
Evans, Dennis ; Schwalbe, Jonathan
Author Organization(s):
JOHNS HOPKINS UNIV LAUREL MD
Funding Organization(s):
JOHNS HOPKINS UNIV LAUREL MD, LAUREL , MD
Document Type:
Technical Report/Research Report
Publication Date:
2017 Nov 01
Pagination:
28

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution Code:
A - Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement: Public Release

RECORD

Collection: TRECMS
Subject Terms
Communities of Interest:
Weapons Technologies
Descriptor(s):
intercontinental ballistic missiles, guided bombs, united states, ballistic missiles, weapons effects, ballistic missile submarines, air defense, nuclear weapons, submarine warfare, submarines, air force, air launched, collateral damage, cruise missiles, ohio class, standoff missiles, warfare
Keyword(s):
cruise missiles, survivability, target coverage, lethality, probability of kill, collateral damage, ssbn (ballistic missile submarines), icbm (intercontinental ballistic missiles), alcm (Air-Launched Cruise Missile), lrso (Long-Range Standoff), nonstrategic
Subject Categories:
Guided Missle Technology; Military Sciences; Guided Missle Technology
Creation Date:
2017 Nov 01
Update Date:
2022 Sep 15