SUNNYVALE, Calif., Sept. 25 (UPI) -- Lockheed Martin reports recent test flights of its Trident II D5 Fleet Ballistic Missile achieved a milestone in large ballistic missile reliability.
All four missiles test fired by the U.S, Navy from a submerged submarine, were the 145th, 146th, 147th and 148th successful test flights of the D5 missile since design completion in 1989 -- "a reliability record unmatched by any other large ballistic missile."
"This ultra-capable system serves a critical role in deterring aggression," said Doug White, vice president of Fleet Ballistic Missile programs, Lockheed Martin Space Systems Co., the Navy's Trident missile prime contractor. "We are dedicated to supporting Navy Strategic Systems Programs in assuring the system's continued readiness, reliability, performance and affordability."
Lockheed Martin said the missiles fired had been converted into test configurations using kits produced by the company that contain range safety devices and flight telemetry instrumentation.
The tests were conducted as part of the Navy's continuing operational system evaluation tests of the Trident Strategic Weapon System.
