U.S. Navy successfully tests more Lockheed Martin Trident II D5 missiles

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Nov. 10 (UPI) -- The U.S. Navy achieved several new successful test flights for two Lockheed Martin-built Trident II D5 Fleet Ballistic Missiles during the first week of November, the munitions' manufacturer said Tuesday.

The unarmed missiles were launched from a submerged Ohio-class submarine in a testing area in the Pacific Ocean on Nov. 7 and Nov. 9, Lockheed Martin said. For the test, kits were used to configure the missiles for testing purposes.

The test flights were part of a demonstration to certify an overhauled submarine for further deployment.

Lockheed Martin, which calls the D5 the "world's most reliable large ballistic missile," said it has achieved a total of 157 successful test flights with the Trident II since its design was completed in 1989.

"This reliability record is a testament to the unwavering dedication to the deterrence mission by the Navy program office, the submarine crews and the industry team," Lockheed Martin Space Systems Fleet Ballistic Missile programs vice president Mat Joyce said in a statement. "Building on a six-decade history of success, we're moving into the future by implementing new engineering methods that will pave the way for continued innovation and performance."

The Trident II D5 is a submarine-launched fleet ballistic missile, introduced in March 1990, that is still in service with the Navy. The missile is used by the branch's Ohio-class submarines, as well as the British Royal Navy's Vanguard-class fleet.

Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company is the prime contractor for the missile and provides technical and logistical support for its users.

For the Trident program, Lockheed Martin has announced that it will transition to designing components digitally using 3-D printing to produce prototypes.

"This is an example of how Lockheed Martin continually moves forward in advancing our ballistic missile systems to ensure that we are employing the latest technologies to meet our customers' mission and budget requirements," Joyce added.