Nuke Missile Collaboration Now Up To Air Force: Navy VADM Benedict

Nuke Missile Collaboration Now Up To Air Force: Navy VADM Benedict
Nuke Missile Collaboration Now Up To Air Force: Navy VADM Benedict

WASHINGTON: In theory, the Navy and the Air Force could save money and reduce risk by using common, proven components on both services’ nuclear missiles. In practice, Air Force decisions in the coming months will “make or break the effective implementation of commonality,” said Vice Adm. Terry Benedict, head of the Navy Strategic Systems Programs. “I…

Navy Wants To Work With Air Force On New Nukes: VADM Benedict

Navy Wants To Work With Air Force On New Nukes: VADM Benedict
Navy Wants To Work With Air Force On New Nukes: VADM Benedict

CAPITOL HILL: As the Air Force train pulls out of the station, the Navy’s running alongside asking to be pulled aboard. Both services will need to replace aging nuclear missiles sometime ca. 2030. They could save money by coordinating their modernization programs — but the Air Force is on a tighter schedule and the window…

Fading Solid Fuel Engine Biz Threatens Navy’s Trident Missile

Fading Solid Fuel Engine Biz Threatens Navy’s Trident Missile
Fading Solid Fuel Engine Biz Threatens Navy’s Trident Missile

CAPITOL HILL: “Failure to launch” isn’t a metaphorical concern when you work on nuclear weapons. That’s why the director of the Navy’s euphemistically named Strategic Systems Program (SSP) is a worried man. What has Vice Adm. Terry Benedict worried is something neither he, nor the Navy nor the entire Defense Department directly control. It’s the…

Navy Seeks Sub Replacement Savings: From NASA Rocket Boosters To Reused Access Doors

Navy Seeks Sub Replacement Savings: From NASA Rocket Boosters To Reused Access Doors
Navy Seeks Sub Replacement Savings: From NASA Rocket Boosters To Reused Access Doors

NATIONAL HARBOR: This is rocket science. As the US Navy tries to keep its crucial 1990-vintage Trident D5 nuclear-capable missile viable for decades to come, it’s working with everyone from the Royal Navy to the US Air Force to NASA to keep costs down and technology up to date. Meanwhile, the design team for the…