US Air Force test-launches intercontinental missile from California coast
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The U.S. Air Force has launched an unarmed intercontinental ballistic missile from the California coast in a test flight.
The Minuteman 3 blasted off around 3 a.m. Sunday from an underground silo at the Vandenberg Air Force, 130 miles northwest of Los Angeles. It was supposed to travel 4,200 miles to a predetermined target in the Kwajalein Atoll in the Pacific Ocean.
A statement by the Air Force Global Strike Command did not include results of the test. Calls and an email were not immediately returned.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The military tests several missiles from the Vandenberg base every year to verify the weapon system's accuracy and reliability. The next test was scheduled for Thursday.
Earlier this year, a missile test flight was delayed because of tensions with North Korea.