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Cape Canaveral FL (SPX) Dec 08, 2006 The U.S. Navy conducted a successful test launch Nov. 21 of two Trident II D5 Fleet Ballistic Missiles (FBMs) built by Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT). The Navy launched the unarmed missiles from USS Maryland (SSBN 738) at the Eastern Range in the Atlantic Ocean. With this two-missile mission, the Trident II D5 missile has achieved 117 consecutive successful test launches since 1989 - a record unmatched by any other large ballistic missile or space launch vehicle. The launches are part a continuing series of operational system evaluation tests conducted by the Navy to assure the safety, reliability, readiness and performance of the Trident II D5 Strategic Weapon System, as required by the Department of Defense's National Command Authority and conducted under the testing guidelines of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. "The D5 missile's superb record is a result of continual technical advances under the exceptional leadership of the Navy's Strategic Systems Programs," said Tory Bruno, vice president of Strategic Missile Programs, Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company. "The Navy's rigorous testing program helps to ensure the reliability and credibility of this critical national security asset." First deployed in 1990 and scheduled for deployment until 2042, the Trident II D5 is aboard 12 of an eventual 14 Trident II-configured Ohio-class submarines. The three-stage, solid propellant, inertial-guided ballistic missile has a range of 4,000 nautical miles and carries multiple independently targeted reentry vehicles. Related Links Lockheed Martin All about missiles at SpaceWar.com ![]() ![]() Lockheed Martin announced the successful firing of the combat-proven HELLFIRE II air-to-ground missile by France's Delegation Generale pour l'Armement (DGA) in Australia. The successful launch, from Australia's Tiger helicopter, took place at the Woomera Testing Range in South Australia. The first-time gunner, a French pilot, employing a lock-on-before-launch technique, scored a direct hit with the HELLFIRE II missile on a target six kilometers away. |
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