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U.S. Navy places Trident II guidance system production order

By Ryan Maass
The Trident II ballistic missile is powered by an MK 6 astro-intertial guidance system, which is able to receive GPS updates. U.S. Navy photo
The Trident II ballistic missile is powered by an MK 6 astro-intertial guidance system, which is able to receive GPS updates. U.S. Navy photo

Feb. 27 (UPI) -- The U.S. Navy awarded Charles Stark Draper Laboratory a $59.6 million contract modification for Trident MK 6 guidance system production work.

Under the agreement, the contractor is tasked with providing failure verification, test, repair and recertification services. The company will also provide electronic assemblies and modules.

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The Trident II is a submarine-launched ballistic missile often referred to as the Fleet Ballistic Missile. The weapon is directed toward its targets with a MK 6 astro-inertial guidance system, which is designed to receive GPS updates.

The U.S. Department of Defense says work on the contract will be performed in Minneapolis, Minn.; Clearwarter, Fla.; and two locations in Massachusetts. Work is expected to be complete by January 2021.

The contract includes options which, if exercised, raise its total value to $370 million.

Charles Stark Draper Laboratory received $47 million in Fiscal 2017 weapons procurement funds and an additional $12 million from Britain at the time of the modification award. The Strategic Systems Programs is the contracting activity.

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