MX Missile: Seventy One 8-1/2x11” color schematic drawings and photographs

Item Details

Rockwell International, 1982, 3-ring binder

1st edition, Fine

Concept/Presentation Binder for the MX Missile, Stage IV

Seventy One 8-1/2x11” color schematic drawings and photographs in custom 3-ring binder.  Rockwell International, 1982. Publication no. LC286-286C, August 20 1982.

71 leaves depicting Mission Overview, Stage IV requirements, Modular designs, Component Testing, Engine and Actuator designs, Propellant Assemblies and Testing.

The MX [Missile Experimental] was a solid-fueled intercontinental ballistic missile designed to attack hardened military targets. It employed an advanced guidance system, a Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle (MIRV) system of a dozen warheads, and a cold launch system to allow for silo reuse.

This binder, likely developed for a graphic presentation to the Department of Defense and/or other defense contractors contains seventy-one 8-1/2x11” schematics drawings and photographs. There is no text other than periodic descriptor slides.

Rockwell International was one of the contractors retained to design and develop the MX missile, along with Martin Marietta, Boeing, and others.  Missile development began in 1974, and the first flight test took place in 1983. Ultimately, it was identified as the LGM-118 Peacekeeper (MX). 

The MX program was very controversial, sparking opposition over its potential to destabilize the arms race and its proposed rail-based system in Utah and Nevada. Critics feared the MX would lead to a "hair-trigger" situation where a first strike would be more tempting, while local communities and environmental groups opposed the basing plan due to its perceived environmental and social disruption, as well as its cost. This opposition was a significant factor in the project's eventual cancellation by the Reagan administration, though the missile was developed and used for nearly two decades.  While there were plans for 100 of the silo-based missiles, that number was cut to 50 in 1984. The remaining missiles were intended for deployment on railcar launchers but that plan was abandoned by President Bush. A total of 114 missiles were produced by the end of 1988. In 2002, it was declared that the Peacekeeper would be phased out of service.

Martin Marietta later merged with Lockheed to form Lockheed Martin in 1995, while Rockwell International was spun off or sold many of its businesses. 

Scarce: We have been unable to determine how many of these binders were produced, but it is likely few.  There are none currently online, none in WorldCat, and online searches have disclosed no prior sales.

CONDITION: Light wear to the binder; contents fine.

A unique item for collectors of military history, space, warfare, rocketry, and weaponry