ICBM FUZE SUPPORT

Abstract

The FY2021 funding request was reduced by $1.735 million to account for the availability of prior year execution balances. The Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) Fuze Modernization Program is designing and developing a form, fit and functionally equivalent replacement for the Mk21 fuze that will provide a 30-year objective design life. 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) Weapons Systems. Plans to integrate and test the Mk21 replacement fuze with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) W87-1 warhead are currently under evaluation in the Mk21A program. The US Air Force (USAF) will develop the Mk21 fuze using the NNSA complex, and the USAF weapons system integration contractor. The NNSA complex consists of Sandia National Labs-California [SNL-CA], Sandia National Labs-New Mexico [SNL-NM] and Kansas City National Security Campus [KCNSC], formerly Kansas City Plant. 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/W88 Alt 370 Fuze program. Common USN & USAF fuze components include the Radar Module, Thermal Battery Assembly and Path Length Module. USN & USAF fuze components that are partially common and use common technologies include the Missile Interface and Controller Module, Launch Safety Device, Firing Set Integration Module and Terminal Protection Device. The ICBM Fuze Modernization Program will integrate the replacement fuze into MM III weapon system, to include support/test equipment, data, flight test hardware, and training materials. The program will also conduct required system testing (including ground and flight tests). The program is coordinating Mk21 fuze replacement development efforts with the DOE to synchronize USAF arming and fuze development activities with DOE warhead requirements. When prudent, the 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 acquisition, the USAF is executing the program using Department of Defense (DoD)-DOE Manual 5030.55 Joint Nuclear Weapons Life Cycle Activities (Phase 6.X process) while meeting Major Defense Acquisition Program (MDAP) statutory requirements. The ICBM Fuze Modernization Program requires a program rebaseline due to capacitor redesign issues and funding limitations in FY19 and FY20. Requirements were deferred until FY21 resulting in a corresponding schedule slip. The funding profile needs for FY22 and beyond will be addressed in future budget submissions. The FY21 budget request continues cooperative efforts with the USN to leverage common components; conduct final qualification tests; and continue development of lab, ground, and flight test assets. This program also includes any needed nuclear surety and certification and system vulnerability assessments. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver ICBM Fuze Modernization weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605831F or 0605833F. This program entered Phase 6.4 "Production Engineering" of the 6.X process Jan 2019. The program will conduct production engineering tasks aimed at meeting validated requirements prior to Phase 6.5. 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: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2021
• Source ID: 655082_0604933F_5_3600_PB_2021

Tags

Readers

• Civilian Systems Systems Program Capability Development and Upgrade Support Activity Expense and Pay Management.
• Logistics and Supply Chain Management.
• Missile Defense Systems.