Trident Missile Manufacturers Revealed

The Trident missile is a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) used by the United States and the United Kingdom as a key component of their nuclear deterrents. The missile is manufactured by a consortium of defense contractors, with Lockheed Martin being the primary contractor.

Trident Missile Program Overview

The Trident missile program was initiated in the 1970s to replace the Poseidon missile, which was the primary SLBM used by the US Navy at the time. The program was designed to provide a more capable and reliable missile system that could deliver nuclear warheads over long distances. The Trident missile was first deployed in 1989 and has since become a crucial component of the US and UK nuclear deterrents.

Primary Contractors

The Trident missile program involves a consortium of defense contractors, with Lockheed Martin being the primary contractor. Other key contractors include:

• Lockheed Martin: Primary contractor for the Trident missile program
• Northrop Grumman: Provides the missile's guidance and control systems
• General Dynamics: Manufactures the missile's rocket motors
• Aerojet Rocketdyne: Provides the missile's propulsion systems

Manufacturing Process

The manufacturing process for the Trident missile involves several stages, including:

1. Design and development: The missile's design and development are led by Lockheed Martin, with input from other contractors.
2. Component manufacturing: The various components of the missile, including the rocket motors, guidance and control systems, and propulsion systems, are manufactured by the respective contractors.
3. Final assembly: The components are assembled into a complete missile at Lockheed Martin's facility in Sunnyvale, California.
4. Testing: The completed missiles are tested at various facilities, including the Naval Air Warfare Center in California and the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.

Production Numbers

The exact number of Trident missiles produced is classified, but it is estimated that over 400 missiles have been manufactured since the program began. The missiles are produced at a rate of around 20-30 per year.

Upgrades and Modernization

The Trident missile program has undergone several upgrades and modernization efforts over the years. Some of the key upgrades include:

• The Trident II (D5) missile, which was introduced in the 1990s and features improved range and accuracy.
• The Trident II (D5) LEAP (Life Extension Program), which extended the missile's service life and improved its performance.
• The Trident II (D5) MK6, which is the latest version of the missile and features improved guidance and control systems.

Future Plans

The Trident missile program is expected to continue in service for several decades, with plans for further upgrades and modernization. The US Navy has announced plans to develop a new SLBM, the Columbia-class submarine, which will carry the Trident II (D5) missile. The UK has also announced plans to develop a new SLBM, the Dreadnought-class submarine, which will also carry the Trident II (D5) missile.

Gallery of Trident Missile Images

Trident Missile Images

What is the Trident missile?

+

The Trident missile is a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) used by the United States and the United Kingdom as a key component of their nuclear deterrents.

Who manufactures the Trident missile?

+

The Trident missile is manufactured by a consortium of defense contractors, with Lockheed Martin being the primary contractor.

What is the range of the Trident missile?

+

The exact range of the Trident missile is classified, but it is estimated to be over 4,000 miles (6,400 km).

We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive overview of the Trident missile manufacturers. If you have any further questions or would like to know more about the Trident missile program, please feel free to ask in the comments section below.