USN orders Trident guidance systems
Mk6 guidance systems will be installed on Trident II D5 missiles for the UK and US navies.
Charles Stark Draper Laboratory is to produce Mk6 guidance systems for Trident II D5 ballistic nuclear missiles carried by USN and UK RN submarines, under a $207.52 million contract from USN Strategic Systems Programs.
Work will be carried out at four US locations for completion by 30 July 2025, the DoD announced on 26 February.
Most of the contract funds come out of the USN FY2021 procurement budget, with $3.23 million from UK funds.
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 (pictured).
The Mk6 guidance system comprises a flight control electronics assembly and inertial sensors with an associated measurement unit. The electronics assembly interfaces with the fire control system on the submarine. The inertial measurement unit provides navigation information to the mission computer.
Charles Stark Draper Laboratory is already working on a $133.47 million contract modification from the USN to research potential applications of guidance technologies for submarines. Work on this project is due to be completed in September 2021.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
You may also like
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Coast Guard enhances Arctic protection with a new Fast Response Cutter]()
US Coast Guard enhances Arctic protection with a new Fast Response Cutter
After commissioning, FRC Frederick Mann will operate in Alaska and perform multiple missions.
-
![US Coast Guard announces measures to further implement Force Design 2028 strategy]()
US Coast Guard announces measures to further implement Force Design 2028 strategy
The US Coast Guard (USCG) created new units, including five Programme Executive Offices (PEOs), to facilitate and speed up the procurement of new capabilities.
-
![Future of the US Navy’s Arleigh Burke programme remains unclear]()
Future of the US Navy’s Arleigh Burke programme remains unclear
The US Navy does not have a precise date for the award of the procurement contract for the third Arleigh Burke-class destroyer despite having the funds to advance with the programme in FY2025.
-
![US Navy may look to foreign suppliers to accelerate shipbuilding programmes]()
US Navy may look to foreign suppliers to accelerate shipbuilding programmes
The US Navy (USN) is currently reassessing its acquisition efforts and seeking ways to reduce the multiple delays across the shipbuilding initiatives.
-
![Italy orders two ships as work begins on others along with deliveries and updates]()
Italy orders two ships as work begins on others along with deliveries and updates
The Italian Navy is being refreshed with two new ships ordered, while in the past six months steel was cut for a new frigate, an enhanced frigate was delivered and Horizon-class frigates passed a design review.
