Trident D5LE2 -Why is it called D5?
The Trident II D5LE is a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) that is a life extension variant of the Trident II D5. The D5LE was introduced in 2017 to update the aging electronics of the D5 missile. [1, 2, 3]
How it works [4]
• The Trident II is a three-stage rocket with solid-fuel rocket motors in each stage.
• The first stage is slightly larger than the Trident C-4, which allows for a larger payload and increased range.
• The D5 uses a lighter fuel binder than the C-4, which is more commonly known as NEPE-75.
Where it's used [5]
• The Trident II D5/D5LE is deployed on U.S. Ohio-class and U.K. Vanguard-class submarines.
• In the future, it will be carried on U.S. Columbia-class and U.K. Dreadnought-class submarines.
Program goals [1]
• To maintain a full fleet of Trident II missiles [1]
• To support the “nofail” SBSD mission on the OHIO class through 2042 [3]
• To provide a reliable Trident II D5/D5LE weapons systems with W76/W88 warheads [3]
Generative AI is experimental.
[1] https://nuclearcompanion.com/data/trident-ii-d-5-missile/[2] https://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/trident/[3] https://www.ssp.navy.mil/About-Us/SSP-Mission/Sustainment/[4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UGM-133_Trident_II[5] https://news.northropgrumman.com/news/releases/northrop-grumman-successfully-powers-us-navys-trident-ii-d5-flight-tests