ICBM FUZE SUPPORT

Abstract

The Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) Fuze Modernization Program is designing and producing a functionally equivalent replacement for the current Mk21 fuze that will provide a 20-year threshold, 30-year objective design life. Currently available Mk21/W87-0 fuze quantities do not meet United States Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) requirements and the current fuze is three times beyond its original ten year design life. The program will provide needed MMIII weapon system modifications, system testing, support/test equipment, data and training required to accommodate, field, and support the new Mk21 replacement fuze along with the W87-0 warhead as defined in the Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) Requirements Traceability Memo dated 2 December 2013. In addition, the Joint Requirements Oversight Council (JROC) signed the program's JROC Memorandum validating the operational requirement for the program on 6 December 2016. A replacement Mk21/W87-0 fuze is urgently required to meet warfighter requirements and to ensure operational capability. The Mk21 reentry vehicle and fuze is designed to be deployed on the current Minuteman III (MMIII) and LGM-35A Sentinel weapon systems. The US Air Force (USAF) will develop the modernized Mk21 fuze using the Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration (DOE/NNSA) complex and a weapons system integration contractor. The DOE/NNSA complex consists of Sandia National Labs-California (SNL-CA), Sandia National Labs-New Mexico (SNL-NM) and Kansas City National Security Campus (KCNSC). 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 DOE/NNSA on the Mk5/W88 Alt 370 Fuze program. The Radar Module remains entirely common with Mk5/W88 Alt 370, while the Pathlength Module and Thermal Battery Assembly designs and qualification activities remain highly leveraged and only contain minor differences from USN counterparts. Significant design aspects of the Missile Interface Controller Module, Launch Safety Device, and the Terminal Protection Device are also similar to USN counterparts. The Firing Set Interface Module shares common technology with the Mk5/W88 Alt 370 Firing Set. The ICBM Fuze Modernization Program replacement fuze is designed to integrate into the MMIII and the LGM-35A Sentinel 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/NNSA to synchronize USAF arming and fuze development activities with DOE/NNSA 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 2025 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 DOE/NNSA acquisition, the USAF is executing the program using Department of Defense (DoD) Manual 5030.55 Joint Nuclear Weapons Life Cycle Activities (Phase 6.X process) while using the DOD 5000-series instructions to meet Major Defense Acquisition Program (MDAP) statutory and regulatory requirements. The DOE/NNSA 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 Series Instruction. This program entered Phase 6.4 Production Engineering of the Phase 6.X process in Jan 2019. The program received Milestone C approval in October 2021. The program will conduct production engineering tasks required to progress to the DOE/NNSA Phase 6.5 and DoD Full Rate Production Decision Review (FRPDR) in May 2024. 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 element 0605827F, 0605828F, 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605832F, 0605833F, 0605898F, and 0606398F. In FY2023 0.000M was expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element, and in FY2024 0.000M is forecasted for civilian pay expenses in this program element. FY24 RDT&E funding for PE 64933F, ICBM Fuze Modernization, is in compliance with budgeted end items per the approved test strategy and FY23 Omnibus, Sec. 8059. 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, 2025
• Source ID: 655082_0604933F_5_3600_PB_2025

Tags

Readers

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