Boeing awarded $127.6M contract for nuclear bomb life extension
Boeing has been awarded a $127.6 million contract for the Air Force's B61-12 nuclear bomb life extension program.
The new contract modification, which covers Lot 1 and Lot 2 long lead items, brings the cumulative value of the previously awarded contract to $131.9 million, the Defense Department announced Friday. Fiscal year 2018 and 2019 procurement funds, and fiscal year 2019 research and development funds in the amount of $29.2 million are being obligated at the time of award.
Work will be performed in Saint Charles, Mo., with completion expected by Aug. 31, 2020.
The National Nuclear Security Administration, which is part of the Energy Department, maintains and enhances the U.S. nuclear weapons arsenel without nuclear explosive testing.
"The B61-12 Life Extension Program is essential to enabling the NNSA to accomplish its
mission to certify the effectiveness of the nation's nuclear deterrent," according to the agency.
With almost 50 years of service, the B61 nuclear gravity bomb, deployed from U.S. Air Force and North Atlantic Treaty Organization bases, is the oldest and most versatile weapon in the U.S. stockpile.
Numerous modifications have been made to improve the B61's safety, security, and reliability, and four B61 variants remain in the stockpile: the 3, 4, 7, and 11.
"However, the aging weapon system requires a life extension to continue deterring potential adversaries and reassuring our allies and partners of our security commitments to them," the agency said.
The NSSA wants to extend the life of the B61 nuclear gravity bomb by at least 20 years, as well as increase the security, performance and safety of the weapon system.
The first production of the 12-variant unit will occur in fiscal year 2020. The bomb will be approximately 12 feet long and weigh about 825 pounds.
The NNSA has asked for $793 million in fiscal year 2020 to continue developing and begin production of the B61-12 gravity bomb life-extension program, and $899 million to refurbish the existing warhead by the new air-launched cruise missile under development by the Air Force, according to the Arms Control Association.
Related Links
Learn about nuclear weapons doctrine and defense at SpaceWar.com
Learn about missile defense at SpaceWar.com
All about missiles at SpaceWar.com
Learn about the Superpowers of the 21st Century at SpaceWar.com
| Thanks for being here; We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution. |
||
| SpaceDaily Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal |
 |
SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only |
Draper awarded $191M for Trident missile guidance system
Washington (UPI) Feb 18, 2019
The U.S. Navy has awarded Charles Stark Draper Laboratory Inc. a $191 million contract for the Trident II weapons system as the Pentagon upgrades its nuclear weapons arsenal. The contract includes technical support and research into the guidance, navigation and control applications for the U.S. and British D5 MK6 systems, the Department of Defense announced Friday. Work, which is expected to be completed by July 31, 2022, will be performed at Draper's plant in Cambridge, Mass., as well a ... read more
from Military Space News, Nuclear Weapons, Missile Defense http://bit.ly/2LrIbLt
via space News
Comments
Post a Comment