Did the US Ever Test a Nuke on an ICBM?

Historical Context and the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty

The United States has a rich and complex history of nuclear missile testing, particularly during the 1960s. One notable instance occurred as part of Operation Dominic in 1962, when a Polaris A2 Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile was launched from the USS Ethan Allen. The missile's 600 kiloton W47Y1 warhead detonated approximately 100 feet above the Pacific Ocean. The mushroom cloud was reportedly visible through the periscope of the USS Ethan Allen. There is some video footage of this operation, which captures the event.

While this was a one-time event, it highlights the extent of nuclear testing during the Cold War era. However, this particular test marked the end of atmospheric testing for the United States. In 1963, the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty was signed, effectively banning atmospheric, underwater, and outer space tests involving nuclear weapons. Since then, missile testing has been conducted without live nuclear warheads to comply with these treaty provisions.

Thermobaric Warheads and Strategic Defense Initiatives

Despite the ban on nuclear testing, the United States continued to develop and test advanced warheads that could be used in strategic defense systems. For example, during the 1970s, the Safeguard ABM system was developed, which included the ‘Spartan’ Missiles for long-range defense and the ‘Sprint’ Missiles for short-range coverage. Both of these missiles carried

Understanding ICBMs

An important clarification is that ICBM (Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles) are not typically used for nuclear testing. The term ICBM refers to a missile designed to carry nuclear warheads from one continent to another with the ability to travel thousands of miles. Instead, the U.S. has used various types of anti-air or anti-ballistic missiles to test defensive capabilities, while bunker buster weapons, which can be nuclear in nature but do not necessarily produce a large explosion, might be considered in certain tactical scenarios.

Conclusion

While the United States did carry out a significant nuclear missile test as part of Operation Dominic in 1962, it remains a unique event in the broader context of nuclear testing history. The restrictions imposed by the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty have since limited the scope and nature of these tests, ensuring that all missile testing is conducted without live nuclear warheads. The development and testing of advanced weapon systems have continued, but in ways that are compliant with international agreements and aimed at enhancing strategic defense capabilities.