Military Vehicles

The Martin Marietta MGM-31A Pershing tactical nuclear missile was conceived in 1958 and introduced in 1963.

Its primary purpose was to deliver 60- to 400- kiloton W50 airbust nuclear warheads at ranges of between 160 and 740km (100 and 460miles).

Initially, deployment of the Pershing was made using an M474 tracked launch vehicle.  On firing, this would hydraulically raise the missile into position and extend a blast plate with two hydraulic stabilizers out of the rear of the vehicle.

In 1985, when the MGM-31B Pershing II was introduced, the launcher vehicle was changed to M656 series truck with faster road speed, under nuclear weapon treaties, the last Pershings were destroyed in 1991.

Country of Origin    :United States
Crew                        :3
Weight                     :8100kg (17,900lb)
Dimensions             :Length (with rocket): 10.6m (34.78ft); width: 2.5m (8.2ft); height: 3.79m (12.43ft)
Range                      :320km (200miles)
Armour                    :Not applicable
Armament               :1 x Pershing tactical nuclear missile
Powerplant              :1 x Chrysler A-710 B 8-cylinder petrol, developing 215hp (160kW)
Performance            :Maximum road speed: 65km/h (40mph)