US and UK contract Kratos for Submarine Ballistic Missile Reentry Systems material testing
A Trident missile is fired from the UK RN submarine HMS Vanguard. (Photo: UK MoD/ Crown Copyright)
The testing is for thermal protection system materials used in ballistic missiles.
According to an initial contract notice, the first $8.6 million purchase covers a 60/40 split between the USN and UK, respectively.
Kratos SRE will conduct mechanical and aerothermal ground testing of the materials in ballistic re-entry and re-entry-like environments.
Related Articles
US Navy expands Trident submarine training facilities
Kratos wins $20 million US training contract
Poland finds space for submarines on its defence shopping list
The testing will support the technical efforts of the US and UK with oversight by the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division’s (NSWCDD) re-entry systems office.
Work includes sample preparation, instrumentation, testing and the gathering of thermo-mechanical data on materials at extremely high temperatures.
The work requires the ability to test and collect data at maximum temperatures of over 3,000 degrees Celsius.
Both the US and UK operate the Tomahawk Land Attack Cruise Missile (TLAM) from their submarines as well as Trident nuclear missiles.
More from Naval Warfare
-
Second rMCM vessel begins sea trials, advances autonomous minesweeping
The rMCM programme will ultimately comprise of 12 vessels, six each working for the Belgian and the Royal Netherlands Navy.
-
Long-delayed polar icebreaker programme gets cash and impetus boost
The US Government has awarded a significant contract to move along its Polar Security Cutter programme.
-
TKMS joins forces with Norwegian shipbuilder for Fridtjof Nansen frigate replacement bid
Four shipbuilders have been downselected to build the frigate replacement programme, and TKMS hopes the new deal will give it a geographical advantage.
-
Newest Arleigh Burke Flight III destroyer launched and ready for fitting
DDG 129, which will become the USS Jeremiah Denton on commissioning, was moved to dry dock to begin its technical fitting and testing.