Modernized Trident missile passes demo, certifies sub for patrol
NewsApril 03, 2018
SUNNYVALE, Calif. The Navy submarine USS Nebraska recently demonstrated a successful launch of two Lockheed Martin-built and -upgraded Trident II D5 Life Extension missiles.
The test, known as Demonstration and Shakedown Operation (DASO) 28, was conducted in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of southern California.
Eric Scherff, vice president of Navy Strategic Programs at Lockheed Martin, said of the demonstration: "In addition to certifying the submarine and crew for patrol, the test launch collected valuable data about the performance of the D5 Life Extension missile configuration. Instead of warheads, the missiles carried test kits and instrumentation to give us troves of information about flight and subsystem performance. The joint government and industry team will use this data to assess performance and to inform maintenance and sustainment plans for the upgraded Trident missile fleet for decades to come."
Lockheed Martin officials say that with its modernized electronics and upgraded avionics subsystems, the Trident II D5 LE configuration will be in service with the U.S. Navy and the British navy through the 2040s.
