SUNNYVALE, Calif., 16 Jan. 2007. Lockheed Martin and Alliant Techsystems have successfully completed the Submarine Launched Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile (SLIRBM) Booster System Demonstration for the U.S. Navy. The team met all technical, cost, and schedule objectives, demonstrating the availability of this near-term, affordable solution for prompt global strike.
The team has delivered the final missile system trade study to the Navy, completing the booster system demonstration contract -- the first phase in a research and development path toward a deployable system. Potential follow-on phases could include flight test demonstrations with launcher integration and underwater launch tests.
In the booster system demonstration, Lockheed Martin and ATK demonstrated solid-propellant rocket motor technologies for a proposed conventional missile that would travel at supersonic speed to reach intermediate-range targets within 15 minutes. The proposed missile would be deployed on Ohio-class SSGN guided-missile submarines, offering the warfighter an accurate, no-notice prompt global strike capability from an undetectable, mobile platform that is on station around the clock.
The U.S. Navy's Strategic Systems Programs Organization awarded the 16-month, $9.2 million contract in 2005. Lockheed Martin, the prime contractor, systems integrator, and missile system trade study lead, performed program management and engineering at its Sunnyvale, Calif., facility. ATK, Lockheed Martin's partner and subcontractor, developed the rocket motor technology, including the booster motor and nozzle.
