Lockheed Martin, USAF Test New ICBM Reentry Vehicle
Lockheed Martin and the U.S Air Force have completed a crucial flight test of the Mk21A reentry vehicle, marking a significant milestone in the development of next generation intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) technology.
The test, conducted on June 17 over the Pacific Ocean, launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, evaluating key design components and technologies for the U.S. Air Force’s future ICBM weapon system.
The Mk21A, an integrated reentry vehicle, represents the critical front end of the Air Force’s upcoming ICBM platform. This test is part of Lockheed Martin’s Engineering and Manufacturing Development contract with the Air Force Nuclear Systems Center, aimed at advancing reentry vehicle technology.
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Utilizing advanced digital engineering tools, including sophisticated modeling and simulation, Lockheed Martin is refining the Mk21A design. This approach encompasses the arming and fuzing subsystem and support equipment, enhancing efficiency, reducing costs and risks, and boosting confidence in system performance.
Jay Watson, Vice President of Strategic Reentry at Lockheed Martin, emphasized the company’s longstanding expertise: “This progress is built on a strong foundation Lockheed Martin’s 65 plus years of demonstrated exceptional performance in reentry technologies and a pioneering digital engineering approach.”
As a leading aerospace and defense manufacturer, Lockheed Martin plays a crucial role in U.S defense capabilities. Formed in 1995 and headquartered in North Bethesda, Maryland, the company operates across four segments: Aeronautics, Missiles and Fire Control, Rotary and Mission Systems, and Space.
This successful test underscores Lockheed Martin’s commitment to enhancing national security through advanced military technologies, reinforcing its position as a trusted partner in the modernization of America’s strategic deterrent capabilities.
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