Draper continues involvement with Trident guidance system
Trident II D5 submarine-launched ballistic missile. (Photo: Lockheed Martin)
The USN has awarded another Mk 6 guidance system-related contract to the Charles Stark Draper Laboratory.
The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory has been awarded a $161.06 million contract modification from the USN Strategic Systems Programs office, to perform more work by July 2025 on the Mk6 guidance system for the Trident II D5 submarine-launched ballistic nuclear missile.
Draper will provide design analysis, testing, procurement, and manufacturing of circuit card assemblies, interferometric fibre-optic gyros, accelerometers, and material for service life related upgrades of inertial measurement units, electronic assemblies, electronic modules, and Mk6 guidance system-related components.
This work is being undertaken as part of the Strategic Systems Program Alteration (SPALT) of Mk6 Mod 1 guidance systems and Mk6 Mod 1 SPALT material procurements, the DoD noted on 10 February.
Trident II D5 nuclear missiles are designed to be launched from USN Ohio-class and future Columbia-class submarines, as well as from RN Vanguard-class boats.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Netherlands to acquire Finnish littoral assault craft in LCVP replacement programme]()
Netherlands to acquire Finnish littoral assault craft in LCVP replacement programme
The Dutch navy had reportedly been considering BAE Systems’ Littoral Strike Craft to replace its ageing landing craft fleet.
-
![Swedish navy moves to final phase of Blekinge-class sub production with new Saab order]()
Swedish navy moves to final phase of Blekinge-class sub production with new Saab order
Saab Kockums was initially awarded the contract to build two A26 submarines for the Royal Swedish Navy in 2015, but the programme has faced delays and escalating costs.
-
![Germany goes for more US equipment for F127 frigates with SPY-6 radar choice]()
Germany goes for more US equipment for F127 frigates with SPY-6 radar choice
If the foreign military sale request is approved, Germany would be the first country outside the US to acquire the technology, which is currently used extensively by the US Navy.
-
![US continues to review AUKUS submarine deal as HII ticks off new Virginia-class sea trials]()
US continues to review AUKUS submarine deal as HII ticks off new Virginia-class sea trials
The initial sea trials for Virginia-class SSN 798 conducted by Newport News Shipbuilding division and the US Navy marked an “important step”, but the ongoing AUKUS review casts a shadow over what the progress means for the partner nations.
-
![US Navy seeks AI software suppliers to bolster air and missile defence]()
US Navy seeks AI software suppliers to bolster air and missile defence
The US Navy is conducting market research to find AI software products for the Collaborative Integrated Air and Missile Defence Planning Programme.
