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
-
![NATO tests use of “undetectable, jam-proof” laser communication in maritime scenarios]()
NATO tests use of “undetectable, jam-proof” laser communication in maritime scenarios
As part of its effort to better prepare its capabilities for operations in contested and congested scenarios, NATO evaluated a Lithuanian ship-to-ship terminal designed to not be susceptible to enemy interference.
-
![Future of the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project is still unclear]()
Future of the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project is still unclear
The Canadian government remains tight-lipped on the timeline and funding required for the next steps of its Canadian Submarine Patrol Project, which should offer improved capabilities for the country’s navy.
-
![Mitsubishi eyes future with Australia’s Mogami selection]()
Mitsubishi eyes future with Australia’s Mogami selection
With Australia’s selection of the Mogami-class for Project Sea 3000, Mitsubishi is investigating local production in the next decade as potential export opportunities emerge.
-
![Thales’ new Sonar 76Nano could equip UK Royal Navy on anti-submarine warfare missions]()
Thales’ new Sonar 76Nano could equip UK Royal Navy on anti-submarine warfare missions
The new sonar is designed to equip uncrewed underwater vessels, with the potential to be used by the Royal Navy for its Atlantic Bastion and Atlantic Net missions.
