The U.S. Navy conducted a successful test flight March 1 of a Trident II D5 Fleet Ballistic Missile(FBM) built by Lockheed Martin. The Navy launched the unarmed missile from the submerged submarine USS Nevada (SSBN 733) in the Pacific Ocean.
This test marked the 135th consecutive successful test flight of the D5 missile since 1989 –a 22-year record of reliability unmatched by any other large ballistic missile or space launch vehicle.
“This test demonstrates the readiness and reliability not only of the missile, but also of all elements of the Trident II D5 Strategic Weapon System,” said Melanie A. Sloane, vice president of Fleet Ballistic Missile programs, Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, the Navy’s Trident missile prime contractor. “The commitment of the entire Navy and industry team drives this sustained level of performance.”
The Navy launched the missile as part of Demonstration and Shakedown Operation 22 (DASO-22) to certify USS Nevada for deployment, following a shipyard overhaul period.
