Navy has successful Trident II D5 launch

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Oct. 23 (UPI) -- A U.S. Navy submarine has successfully launched two unarmed ballistic missiles while submerged in the Atlantic Ocean as part of a weapons system evaluation.

The two Lockheed Martin-built Trident II D5 Fleet Ballistic Missiles were successfully launched from the Navy's USS West Virginia as part of a regular safety and reliability check on the strategic weapons technology.

Lockheed Martin says since 1989 the Trident II D5 has had 129 consecutive successful test flights.

"These successful missile tests again demonstrate the readiness and reliability of the entire Trident II D5 Strategic Weapon System," Melanie Sloane, Lockheed Martin Space Systems vice president of fleet ballistic missile programs, said in a statement.

"The Navy's Strategic Systems Programs achieves sustained performance through close government and industry partnerships."