SUNNYVALE, Calif., Nov. 10 (UPI) — The U.S. Navy reported several new successful test flights for two Lockheed Martin-built Trident D5 Fleet Ballistic Missiles in the first week of November.
The unarmed missiles were launched from a submerged Ohio-class submarine in a testing area in the Pacific Ocean. For the test, Lockheed Martin kits were used to configure the missiles for testing purposes. The test flights were part of a demonstration to certify an overhauled submarine for further deployment. Lockheed Martin reports 157 successful test flights with the Trident since the missile’s design completion in 1989.
“This reliability record is a testament to the unwavering dedication to the deterrence mission by the Navy program office, the submarine crews and the industry team,” Lockheed Martin Space Systems Fleet Ballistic Missile programs vice president Mat Joyce said in a statement. “Building on a six-decade history of success, we’re moving into the future by implementing new engineering methods that will pave the way for continued innovation and performance.”
The Trident II D5 is a submarine-launched fleet ballistic missile. First used in 1990, the missile is currently used by the U.S. Navy’s Ohio-class and the British Royal Navy’s Vanguard-class submarines. Lockheed Marting Space Systems Company is the prime contractor for the missile, and also provides technical and logistical support for its users.
For the Trident program, Lockheed Martin has announced they will be transitioning to designing components digitally, using 3-D printing to produce prototypes.
“This is an example of how Lockheed Martin continually moves forward in advancing our ballistic missile systems to ensure that we are employing the latest technologies to meet our customers’ mission and budget requirements,” Joyce added.
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