To clarify, a MIRV payload is a group of warheads that use re-entry vehicles that can separately target independent individual targets. One missile, six MIRVs equals six different aimpoints.

MIRV is an acronym, standing for Multiple Independently-targeted Re-entry Vehicle.

For those curious about how ballistic missiles with MIRV payloads work, here’s an excellent animated simulation of a USAF Minuteman III ICBM flight, launch to impact.

All ballistic missiles & MIRV payloads work this way.

https://youtu.be/Mvo54LJcXe8?si=gd8PGYlaHncUe68d

This second video demonstrates a multi-MIRV payload deployment from a Ballistic missile in addition to penetration aids (decoys).

https://youtu.be/ARnyIrDg6xk?si=x3vHAYo3mBxjk4Sw

For reference, this photo shows the MIRV bus of a Peacekeeper ICBM, loaded with a full compliment of MIRVs each containing a W-87 warhead w/ nominal yield of 300 kilotons, though with orally jacket the yield is boosted to 475 kilotons per warhead/RV.

Though the Peacekeeper missiles were all destroyed under strategic arms treaties, the W-87 is still in service with the USAF. All current US & Russian ICBMs & SLBMs are capable of similar MIRV loadings.

The United States does not currently have any Intermediate Range Ballistic Missiles like the Russian SS-X-31 used on Ukraine w inert MIRVs in service at this time.

Terminoloy- for reference:
ICBM- Intercontinental Ballistic Missile
SLBM- Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile
IRBM- Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile

NOTE: most SLBMs are of Intercontinental range & are capable of multiple MIRV payloads.

IRBMs are shorter range missiles than the others listed & typically have a smaller ‘throw weight’ payload capacity than the larger strategic missiles, & bridge the gap carrying a dual strategic or tactical role.

Primer on countermeasures to ballistic missile defense.

https://youtu.be/gNSR7dXHdCY?si=FdMYViEvnVipMWl0

Here’s the unrolled version of this thread, & it is bananas. 🍌 not the thread itself, her work is first rate. The plot hatched against Matt & Don Gaetz.

Absolutely wild.

https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1859748387291107797.html