The first revamped Peacekeeper warhead (MK21 re-entry vehicle) has been deployed on a Minuteman III ICBM, according to a Northrop Grumman release. (We now find that the first SERV deployment took place in October 2006. The Air Force says it has since fielded several—actual number withheld—more.) The feat required a “major revision” on the Minuteman software, under the Safety Enhanced Re-entry Vehicle program. USAF expects to have its entire 500-strong MMIII fleet upgraded by 2012, extending the service life of the ICBMs to 2020.
We looked back on the past 12 months to find the stories that resonated the most with you, our audience, and these 10 topped the list. Maybe you missed one the first time around, or perhaps you’d like to revisit a favorite.