US MGM-31A ''Pershing'' BM

By Crusader1307

Developed as a form of Artillery Defense Missile Systems, The MGM-31A “Pershing” was among the first Nuclear capable Artillery Missiles developed for use by The US Army. Deployed in 1958, it’s final variation – Pershing II would continue well into 1983 in both Continental Service and Overseas. Seen ideal for Coastal Defense, The “Pershing” (named for WWI Army General John J. Pershing) had an operational range of 460-miles. In addition to being “fixed” for deployment, The MGM-31A could be Track (Armor) Mounted and deployed Mobile (Batteries). A Twin-staged Missile, The “Pershing” was solid-fueled and could achieve Mach 8 in an estimated 77-seconds from launch. Computer (Ground) Guided, The MGM-31A weighed 11,000-pounds and was 40-feet tall and 40-inches in diameter. They could deploy between a 60 to 400-Kiloton Nuclear Warhead. The Pershing I was deployed in the field from 1960 to 1969, with many Models deployed with The German Air Force to protect against Soviet aggression in Europe. A typical Pershing Battery consisted of (4) Missiles and Launchers (in Mobile mode). Roughly 30-men constituted a Battery. Heavy equipment transport could be handled by Cargo Helicopter. On average a Battery could deploy and engage a target with 25-minutes of Alert.