ICBM FUZE SUPPORT
Abstract
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) Weapon Systems. The US Air Force (USAF) will develop the Mk21 fuze using the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) complex and the 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. The Radar Module remains entirely common with MK5 Alt-370, while the Pathlength Module and Thermal Battery Assembly designs and qualification activities remain highly leveraged and only contain minor differences from their USN counterparts. Significant design aspects of the Missile Interface Controller Module, Launch Safety Device, and the Terminal Protection Device are also similar to their USN counterparts. The Firing Set Interface Module shares common technology with the W88 Alt-370 Firing Set. The ICBM Fuze Modernization Program will integrate the replacement fuze into MM III and the future GBSD weapon systems, 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. The Fiscal Year 2023 budget request continues cooperative efforts with the USN to leverage common components; conduct 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. 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 Phase 6.X process is an iterative process that drives overlap and concurrency between activities and events that occur during the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) and Production and Deployment phases of the DoD 5000 Acquisition Series. 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 element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program elements 0605833F or 0605831F. In FY2021 0.000M was expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element, and in FY2022 0.000M is forecasted for civilian pay expenses in this program element. 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, 2023
- Source ID
- 655082_0604933F_5_3600_PB_2023
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