ICBM Fuze Modernization

Abstract

ICBM Fuze Modernization will provide a replacement Mk21 fuze associated with the W87 warhead and a Mk12A fuze associated with the W78/88-1 Life Extension Program (LEP) warhead. The legacy Mk21 fuze is three times past its design life and ongoing Mk21 refurbishment does not meet Nuclear Weapon Stockpile Plan requirements. The Mk12A fuze must be modified to support the W78/88-1 LEP warhead incorporating enhanced nuclear surety capabilities required by National Security Presidential Directive (NSPD) 28. The fuze modernization schedule was rebaselined to ensure Mk12A fuze development remains sychronized with the W78/88-1 LEP warhead first production unit delivery shift from FY21 to FY25. The US Air Force will develop Mk21 and Mk12A fuzes in cooperation with the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), US Navy and United Kingdom. ICBM Fuze Modernization will leverage technologies, parts, components and development/production capabilities resulting from extensive fuze work performed by the US Navy and NNSA. Currently it is estimated the Mk21 Fuze will be 72% common with the Navy Mk5 Fuze. Mk21 and Mk12A fuzes will be similar to the US Navy D5 fuze, but W78/88-1 LEP and W87 warhead requirements dictate some unique differences. The ICBM Fuze Modernization program will also develop associated Minuteman III weapon system modifications, support equipment, data, flight test hardware, and training. It will also conduct required system testing (including ground and flight tests) and fielding efforts. As a cooperative USAF, USN and NNSA weapon sustainment acquisition, the USAF will implement joint DoD-DOE Nuclear Weapons Life Cycle Activities. The ICBM Fuze Modernization will be tailored to use joint DoD-DOE phase 6.X processes for routine nuclear stockpile activities to align with USN and NNSA operations. The production phase MPAF funding is budgeted under M30MLG, Minuteman III Modifications, starting in FY18. BA5 - This program is in Budget Activity 5, System Development and Demonstration (SDD) because it has passed Milestone B approval and is conducting engineering and manufacturing development tasks aimed at meeting validated requirements prior to full-rate production.

Document Details

• Document Type: R2 Budgetary Justification
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2014
• Source ID: 0604933F_5_3600_PB_2014
• Change Summary Explanation: Reduction of $11.1M in FY 2014 reflects the rephasing of Mk12A related efforts to coincide with development of W78/88-1 Life Extension Program (LEP).
• Service Agency Name: Air Force

Entities

Organizations

• United States Air Force

Tags

Communities of Interest

• Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

• Air Force
• Ballistic Missiles
• Cost Analysis
• Costs
• Demonstrations
• Engineering
• Feasibility Studies
• Flight Testing
• Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles
• Navy
• Nuclear Weapons
• Program Management
• Systems Engineering
• Test And Evaluation
• Test Beds
• Weapon Systems
• Weapons

Fields of Study

• Physics

Readers

• Civilian Systems Systems Program Capability Development and Upgrade Support Activity Expense and Pay Management.
• Logistics and Supply Chain Management.
• Nuclear Non-Proliferation and International Security