W87-1/Mk21A

Abstract

The Mk21A Reentry Vehicle (RV) program will design, develop, produce, and deploy an integrated RV capable of delivering the W87-1 Warhead when released from the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD) Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM). The Mk21A program will provide needed performance and security enhancements over the Mk21 RV to meet the upgraded requirements for the Department of Energy W87-1 Warhead, while ensuring the time certain delivery of both the W87-1 and Mk21A programs. The Mk21A will also meet the requirements laid out in the GBSD Capability Development Document (CDD) as directed by Air Force Global Strike Command. The Mk21A RV includes: high velocity nose tip; high impulse transducer; arming and fuzing assembly; aeroshell forward section, body section, and rear cover; radio frequency subsystem with antennas; RV spin-up system; in-flight disconnect cable; and other electrical cables. The major activities in the Mk21A RV Technology Maturation and Risk Reduction (TMRR) phase include: (1) Trade Studies, (2) Prototype designs, (3) government systems engineering, analytics, and test capability development, (4) RV risk reduction, and (5) Weapon System (WS) integration risk reduction. During the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) phase, the Mk21A program will include prime contractor development of a critical RV design, applicable support equipment, data, flight test hardware, infrastructure, and training materials while examining and mitigating weapon system integration risks, nuclear surety, hardness and certification, and system vulnerability assessments. Additionally, the program, in conjunction with the National Nuclear Security Administration, will develop test assets to ensure the integration and qualification of the Mk21A and W87-1 on GBSD.

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Document Details

Document Type
Project
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2023
Source ID
674920_0101328F_7_3600_PB_2023

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Readers

  • Missile Defense Systems.

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