ICBM FUZE SUPPORT

Abstract

The ICBM Fuze Modernization program designs and develops a form, fit, function replacement for the Mk21 fuze. The legacy Mk21 fuze is three times past its design life and ongoing Mk21 fuze refurbishment does not meet Nuclear Weapon Stockpile Plan requirements. The Mk21 Reentry Vehicle and fuze will be deployed on the current Minuteman III (MM III) and future Ground Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD). Previous plans to integrate and test the Mk21 fuze replacement with the NNSA W78/88-1 Life Extension Program warhead were deferred. The US Air Force (USAF) will develop the Mk21 fuze utilizing the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) complex consisting of Sandia National Labs-California (SNL-CA), Sandia National Labs-New Mexico (SNL-NM), and National Security Campus (NSC, formerly Kansas City Plant); as well as a USAF weapons system integration contractor. The ICBM Fuze Modernization program will leverage technologies, parts, components and development/production capabilities resulting from extensive fuze work performed by the US Navy (USN) and NNSA on the Mk5 Alt 370 Fuze program. Common USN & USAF fuze components include the Radar Module (RM), Thermal Battery Assembly (TBA) and Path Length Module (PLM). USN & USAF fuze components that are partially common and use common technologies include the Missile Interface and Controller Module (MICM), Launch Safety Device (LSD), Firing Set Integration Module (FSIM) and Thermal Protection Device (TPD). The ICBM Fuze Modernization program will also integrate the fuze into associated MM III weapon system hardware, support equipment, data, flight test hardware, and training materials. It will also conduct required system testing (including ground and flight tests). The program coordinates USAF Mk21 fuze replacement development efforts with the Department of Energy (DOE) to synchronize USAF arming and fuze development activities with the DOE warhead requirements. When prudent, the ICBM Fuze Modernization program will conduct trade studies and initiate conceptual designs to address operational system issues and meet future requirements. As a cooperative USAF, USN and NNSA weapon acquisition, the USAF will implement joint Department of Defense (DoD)-DOE Nuclear Weapons Life Cycle Activities. The ICBM Fuze Modernization program will be tailored to use joint DoD/DOE Instruction 5030.55 for Nuclear Acquisition (also known as the Phase 6.X processes) for routine nuclear stockpile activities to align with USN and NNSA operations. In the FY16 budget request, Mk21 fuze program rebaseline planning was completed and funding adjusted to match the USAF Service Cost Position. Rebaseline plans include additional efforts to leverage all common USN technologies and acceleration of Mk21 flight test vehicle development by SNL-CA supporting critical flight testing beginning in FY19. This program is in Budget Activity 5, System Development and Demonstration (SDD). The program was authorized to enter Phase 6.3 "Development Engineering" which is the equivalent of Milestone B. The program is conducting engineering development tasks aimed at meeting validated requirements prior to Phase 6.4 "Production Engineering," which is scheduled for FY19 (Objective).

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2016
• Source ID: 655082_0604933F_5_3600_PB_2016

Tags

Readers

• Civilian Systems Systems Program Capability Development and Upgrade Support Activity Expense and Pay Management.
• Munitions and Ordnance Engineering
• Nuclear Non-Proliferation and International Security