UGM-133 Trident D5: Difference between revisions
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'''UGM-133 Trident D5''' [[submarine-launched ballistic missile]]s arm the [[Ohio-class]] submarine component of the U.S. nuclear triad, and are the only U.K. strategic nuclear weapons, aboard the [[Vanguard-class]]. British versions use a U.K.-developed warhead, but the missiles are the same for both countries. | '''UGM-133 Trident D5''' [[submarine-launched ballistic missile]]s (SLBM) arm the [[Ohio-class]] submarine component of the U.S. nuclear triad, and are the only U.K. strategic nuclear weapons, aboard the [[Vanguard-class]]. British versions use a U.K.-developed warhead, but the missiles are the same for both countries. | ||
They are far longer-ranged and accurate than any preceding | They are far longer-ranged and accurate than any preceding SLBN. Given they can fire from any waters, and have a maximum range of approximately 12000 km/7000 miles, they can hit intercontinental targets from their piers -- not a plausible operational scenario, but placing them on a par with land-based [[intercontinental ballistic missile]]s. | ||
While the exact [[circular error probability]] of the U.S. version is classified, it is generally estimated to be in the 50 meter range. It is the only remaining U.S. nuclear missile with [[multiple independently targeted reentry vehicle]]s banned from land-based [[intercontinental ballistic missile]]s. Its ability to deliver 8-12 [[W88 (nuclear weapon)|W88 nuclear weapons]] per missile, each with a yield up to 475 kilotons, makes each [[ | While the exact [[circular error probability]] of the U.S. version is classified, it is generally estimated to be in the 50 meter range. It is the only remaining U.S. nuclear missile with [[atmospheric reentry|multiple independently targeted reentry vehicle]]s banned from land-based [[intercontinental ballistic missile]]s. Its ability to deliver 8-12 [[W88 (nuclear weapon)|W88 nuclear weapons]] per missile, each with a yield up to 475 kilotons, makes each [[Ohio-class]] submarine, with 24 missile launchers, an incredibly potent threat. | ||
Missile range will vary with the number and weight of warheads carried, as well as decoys and other penetration aids. | Missile range will vary with the number and weight of warheads carried, as well as decoys and other penetration aids. | ||
Revision as of 06:40, 13 August 2010
UGM-133 Trident D5 submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBM) arm the Ohio-class submarine component of the U.S. nuclear triad, and are the only U.K. strategic nuclear weapons, aboard the Vanguard-class. British versions use a U.K.-developed warhead, but the missiles are the same for both countries.
They are far longer-ranged and accurate than any preceding SLBN. Given they can fire from any waters, and have a maximum range of approximately 12000 km/7000 miles, they can hit intercontinental targets from their piers -- not a plausible operational scenario, but placing them on a par with land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles.
While the exact circular error probability of the U.S. version is classified, it is generally estimated to be in the 50 meter range. It is the only remaining U.S. nuclear missile with multiple independently targeted reentry vehicles banned from land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles. Its ability to deliver 8-12 W88 nuclear weapons per missile, each with a yield up to 475 kilotons, makes each Ohio-class submarine, with 24 missile launchers, an incredibly potent threat.
Missile range will vary with the number and weight of warheads carried, as well as decoys and other penetration aids.