The Navy reported that the submarine USS Louisiana efficiently launched a nuclear-capable Trident II D5 intercontinental ballistic missile whereas submerged within the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego.
The launch, which was the 191st profitable launch of a Trident II since 1989, got here at 2:10 p.m. on Sept. 27, the Navy mentioned.
The missile was unarmed, however sometimes would have 4 independently targetable nuclear warheads.
Trident IIs are carried by 14 U.S. Ohio-class submarines and 4 British Vanguard-class submarines. The U.S. submarines sometimes have 20 of the missiles, which have a spread of over 7,500 miles. The make up sea-based a part of the U.S. strategic weapons triad.
Vice Adm. Johnny Wolfe Jr., director of strategic programs packages, known as the take a look at flight a “historic milestone” for the weapons system.
He mentioned the Navy plans to “maintain this unmatched weapons system whereas creating the following technology strategic weapons system to make sure our nation’s sea-based strategic deterrence functionality by means of 2084.”
