Science and engineering lab Sandia National Laboratories announced the approval of the first production unit for the Mark 21 Replacement Fuze, clearing the way for full-rate production.
Sandia revealed in a press release that the replacement fuze received approval from the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) following a Quality Assurance Inspection Procedure in March. The Mark 21 Fuze Replacement Program operates under a partnership between the U.S. Air Force and the NNSA.
Interfacing With Warheads
The Mark 21 fuze precisely directs warheads to initiate firing sequences at a designated point within targeting parameters. Sandia expects the replacement fuze to link with the W87-0 warhead for deployment on the Minuteman III and the Sentinel Intercontinental Ballistic Missile.
Years of Work
Sandia began working on the Mark 21 fuze in 2011. The lab manufactures certain parts, while the Kansas City National Security Campus handles production and assembly.
The fuze program has conducted multiple tests to ensure the fuze could withstand various environments, including acceleration vibration and thermal stresses during launch and reentry.
"Qualification involves significant resources and time. We are in a very rigorous business,” former fuze program manager Bob Oetken said. "Some of the qualification is used to verify that we are meeting requirements and took as long as three years from concept to delivery.”
Stockpile Assessment
Sandia will now shift its focus to stockpile assessment, which includes modeling, simulation, ground, and flight testing.
Image Credit: Sandia National Laboratories
