Passive Defense Considerations in the Design of Missile Sites and Ground-based Silo-launched Platforms (Case study; Minutemen Transcontinental and Satan Missiles)

Throughout history there have been various forms of aggression and threats, but in the era in which we live, threats have emerged with more sophisticated methods and techniques.Producing destructive weapons systems and ready-to-fire systems, are considered the greatest threat to humanity. In contrast to the approach of deterrence and defense and in order to acquire advanced missile technology, maintaining such systems are among the top priority of every nation. The design of missile sites and silo-launched missile platforms by applying passive defense engineering provisions will greatly reduce vulnerability of facilities, equipment and manpower and will facilitate defensive operations and endure survivability.In this research, after the analysis of threats and while reviewing the two types of missiles, the American transcontinental Minutemen and the Russian Satan, ground-based silo-launched platforms and an array structure are described. Then vulnerability of silo launchers against threats, in particular, nuclear ones, have been explained and the methods of protection against nuclear explosions have also been signified. This research continues to introduce the passive defense engineering considerations such as site location, camouflage, concealment, deception, dispersion, hardening and fortifications as major factors in the design of missile sites and silo-launched platforms. The research uses empirical and analytical research methods which include interview, reviewing documents, library resources and information networks.