Navy readies Trident missile SLEP, stretching program across a century

摘要

The Navy is moving ahead with plans to explore a second life-extension of the Trident IID5 submarine-launched ballistic missile, a project that would keep the strategic weapon system - which began full-scale development in 1983 ～ in service for the life of the new Columbia-class submarine fleet through 2083, potentially stretching the life of the Trident across a century. On Feb. 22, the Navy Strategic Systems Programs (SSP) office asked industry to outline interest in competing for trade studies - a planned seven-year project ～ to propose options for keeping the Trident IID5 Life Extension in service four decades beyond 2042, the current planned end of the service life.