US and UK contract Kratos for Submarine Ballistic Missile Reentry Systems material testing
A Trident missile is fired from the UK RN submarine HMS Vanguard. (Photo: UK MoD/ Crown Copyright)
The US and UK have contracted Kratos Southern Research Engineering Division (SRE) for thermo-mechanical, high-heat, high-sheer re-entry material testing worth up to almost $47 million.
The testing is for thermal protection system materials used in ballistic missiles.
According to an initial contract notice, the first $8.6 million purchase covers a 60/40 split between the USN and UK, respectively.
Kratos SRE will conduct mechanical and aerothermal ground testing of the materials in ballistic re-entry and re-entry-like environments.
Related Articles
US Navy expands Trident submarine training facilities
Kratos wins $20 million US training contract
Poland finds space for submarines on its defence shopping list
The testing will support the technical efforts of the US and UK with oversight by the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division’s (NSWCDD) re-entry systems office.
Work includes sample preparation, instrumentation, testing and the gathering of thermo-mechanical data on materials at extremely high temperatures.
The work requires the ability to test and collect data at maximum temperatures of over 3,000 degrees Celsius.
Both the US and UK operate the Tomahawk Land Attack Cruise Missile (TLAM) from their submarines as well as Trident nuclear missiles.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Red Cat expands its manufacturing capacities to surge production of UAVs and USVs]()
Red Cat expands its manufacturing capacities to surge production of UAVs and USVs
The company has invested $80 million to enhance its facilities and establish a new maritime division.
-
![Zumwalt-class hypersonic missile plan progresses with demonstration set for 2027]()
Zumwalt-class hypersonic missile plan progresses with demonstration set for 2027
The US Navy’s Zumwalt-class destroyer is a stealth ship originally designed to consist of a fleet of 32 but has been cut back to three. Conceived for a land-attack role, it is now being fitted with a hypersonic missile capability.
-
![US Coast Guard commissions first icebreaker acquired in the last 25 years]()
US Coast Guard commissions first icebreaker acquired in the last 25 years
The Cutter Storis officially entered service with the Branch on 10 August. The new capability will be operated from Juneau, Alaska.
-
![US Coast Guard to invest more than $5 billion in the Heritage Class Offshore Patrol Cutter]()
US Coast Guard to invest more than $5 billion in the Heritage Class Offshore Patrol Cutter
From FY2026 to FY2029, the OPC programme will receive funds from the Reconciliation Bill and the Coast Guard annual budget.
