The US Navy has achieved a significant milestone with the successful flight tests of the Trident II D5 Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM) for a record 191 times, using Northrop Grumman Corporation's solid rocket motors.
This accomplishment was part of the US Navy's Demonstration and Shakedown Operation 32 (DASO-32) event. DASO 32 demonstrates the readiness of the USS Louisiana (SSBN-743) crew and provides certification for the submarine's deployment.
"Northrop Grumman's strategic motors have provided propulsion success for 191 successful test launches since their deployment to the fleet. That is the kind of performance the Navy has come to rely upon to meet national defense readiness with Northrop Grumman solid rocket motor technology to power the Trident II Submarine Launched Ballistic Missiles," said Wendy Williams, vice president of Propulsion Systems at Northrop Grumman.
US Navy's Trident II D5 SLBM Flight Test Successfully Powered by Northrop Grumman
The success of this exercise has elevated the Trident II D5 SLBM test record to 191, reflecting a commendable track record without any motor failures.
Notably, some of the motors employed in this unarmed flight test were the oldest Trident II D5 motors ever used, showcasing their remarkable reliability and established performance.
Northrop Grumman, in collaboration with the US Navy and prime contractor Lockheed Martin, is in the process of modernizing and digitizing Trident II D5 manufacturing processes.
This initiative, which includes integrating advanced digital models, aims to bolster manufacturing capabilities and enable sustained production to meet future demands.
The Trident II D5/D5LE SLBM, a three-stage missile, is currently deployed on US Ohio-class and UK Vanguard-class submarines. It is slated to be carried aboard US Columbia-class and UK Dreadnought-class submarines in the future.
Under a contract from Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman is responsible for manufacturing solid-propulsion motor systems for all three stages of the Trident II missile.
Since production commenced in 1985, the company has delivered over two thousand Trident II D5 motors and cast nearly 87 million pounds of propellant.
Having supported the Navy's deterrence mission for over 60 years, Northrop Grumman has played a crucial role in supplying propulsion for the nation's Fleet Ballistic Missile submarine-launched systems.
This legacy began with Polaris, followed by Poseidon C3, Trident I C4, and the Trident II D5/D5LE, which is projected to remain in service until the 2040s.
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Solid Rocket Motor Technologies of Northrop Grumman
Expanding upon its well-established base, Northrop Grumman is currently engaged in a proactive process of enhancing its solid rocket motor technologies.
It involves a range of digital transformation and modernization efforts directed toward refining manufacturing processes, amplifying operational efficiency, elevating reliability, and ensuring alignment with forthcoming strategies for the sea-based segment of the nuclear triad.
In related news, the US Air Force has awarded Northrop Grumman a substantial $705 million contract to spearhead the development of the Stand-in Attack Weapon (SiAW), a cutting-edge air-to-ground missile.
The SiAW is designed to take on fast-moving targets situated in hostile territories. Set to be operational by 2026, this state-of-the-art missile is tailored to be deployed via the F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter.
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