Article Posted on : - Aug 29, 2008

WASHINTON (BNS): The US navy test fired two Trident II D-5 Fleet Ballistic Missiles (FBMs) from submarine USS Louisiana in the Pacific Ocean on Wednesday. The missile, developed by Lockheed Martin, has now undergone 124 consecutive successful trials setting up a record of test launches.

“In the latest test, Navy Strategic Systems Programmes has again demonstrated the reliability and credibility of the Fleet Ballistic Missile," said Melanie A. Sloane, vice president of Fleet Ballistic Missile programmes, Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company.

The missile, being evaluated since 1989, has a nominal range of 4000 nautical miles and it can carry multiple independently targeted re-entry vehicles.

During the trials, operational missiles are re-configured with test kits containing range of safety devices and flight telemetry instrumentation. "A long partnership combined with disciplined performance by the entire Navy and industry team in every aspect of this critical programme has made each and every one of these 124 test launches a success," Sloane said.
Trident II D-5 is the sixth generation FBM, an upgraded version of Polaris (A1), Polaris (A2), Polaris (A3), Poseidon (C3) and Trident I (C4).

The trials were part of the operational procedures that ensure safety, reliability and readiness of the system as per the requirements of the Department of Defence's National Command Authority and the Joint Chief of Staff sets the guidelines for the tests.

The US Navy began deploying Trident II D-5 in 1990s. It is carried by Ohio class submarines and British Vanguard class submarines. It has a three stage solid propellant system and is guided by inertial reference system (IRS). Lockheed Martin's integrated navigation subsystem providing accuracy to the missile was also tested.

The ballistic missile submarines in the US are also called "Boomers", designed for stealth and the delivery of nuclear warheads. Ohio class submarine can carry up to 24 ballistic missiles. Trident is its main weapon. Trident II D-5 is the latest version of the missile which is more advanced in terms of technology and has greater payload capability making it a potent weapon system. The missile is launched by the pressure of expanding gases in the launch tube. The US Navy plans to deploy Trident II D-5 beyond 2020.

The US Navy claims that the purpose of submarine launched ballistic missile is to set up a credible strategic deterrence. The presence of such weapon systems in the fleet gives a competitive edge over the adversaries.