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UGM-27 Polaris A-3
Photo: derivative work: Matrek (talk) UGM-27C_Polaris_A3_launch.jpg: U.S. Navy · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain Use of this image does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD).
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UGM-27PolarisA-3

SLBM · United States · 1960
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UGM-27PolarisA-3

UGM-27 Polaris A-3
UGM-27 Polaris A-3 Photo: derivative work: Matrek (talk) UGM-27C_Polaris_A3_launch.jpg: U.S. Navy · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain Use of this image does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD).
* Absolute score — assessed within category · no era adjustment
Range
75
Payload / MIRV
80
Accuracy
60
Platform Survivability
70
BMD Penetration
50
Readiness
75
Reliability
85
Second-Strike Value
90
Strategic Impact
95
Technology
80
Origin United States
ManufacturerLockheed Corporation
CategorySLBM
EraEarly Cold War
In service1960–1964
Operators2 countries
Quantity1,150
Data Quality85%
MASS(Military Archive Scoring System)
78
SLBM MASS Rating
1/6
Early Cold War
7/30
All-Time
SLBM · 10 axes scored
Range
75
Payload / MIRV
80
Accuracy
60
Platform Survivability
70
BMD Penetration
50
Readiness
75
Reliability
85
Second-Strike Value
90
Strategic Impact
95
Technology
80
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the slbm category.
01 / Overview
UGM-27 Polaris A-3
Category
Prime contractor
Production
1960–1964
Quantity
1,150
Operators
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
SLBM · EARLY COLD WAR
1
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
76
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
—
78
slbm category
ⓘ Performance/Price and MASS score are computed across all units in the slbm category, regardless of era.
02 / Specs & Design
◎General7MOD.7
  • Missile ClassSLBM
  • Service Entry Year1964
  • DesignerLockheed Missiles & Space Company
  • Length9.85 m
  • Diameter1.37 m
  • Launch Weight15,880 kg
  • In ServiceYes
◈Propulsion6MOD.6
▣Performance6MOD.6
◇Accuracy & Re-Entry5MOD.5
◆Warhead7MOD.7
▤Basing5MOD.5
⬢Production3MOD.3
  • Total Production1,150
  • Operators1
  • First Test1963
▲Warhead Detail2MOD.2
  • Detonation Mechanism / Fuzeinertial guidance detonation
  • Explosive Filler Typehigh explosive
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
  1. 1960Production started
  2. 1964Production ended
  3. 1968Entered service
66
years in service
4
years in production
1,150
units produced
2
countries operating
ⓘ The producing country still actively operates it.
04 / Operators
Operator Countries2country
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE8terms
Designation for an ICBM equipped with a canister launcher, enabling rapid deployment and reduced exposure during launch.
A missile launch method where the missile is ejected from its launch tube by gas pressure before the rocket motor ignites, typically used in submarine-launched ballistic missiles.
Guidance system combining inertial navigation (self-contained motion tracking) with GPS (satellite-based positioning) for precise trajectory correction in ballistic missiles.
MIRV (Multiple Independently targetable Reentry Vehicle) is a ballistic missile payload that carries several warheads, each capable of being aimed at separate targets after reentry.
Relating to or using nuclear energy, typically fission, for propulsion or power generation in military vessels.
Propellant consisting of a solid mixture of fuel and oxidizer, enabling long-term storage and immediate launch readiness.
Designation for intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) deployed and launched from submerged submarines.
Relating to nuclear weapons that derive destructive power from both fission and fusion reactions, typically used in intercontinental ballistic missiles.
These terms are listed automatically because they appear on this page.full encyclopedia →
📚 Sources
📖 ENCYCLOPEDIA Browse the SLBM entry →