Ballistic Trident

The Trident II D5 is a three-stage, solid-fueled submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) developed by Lockheed Martin, capable of carrying up to 12 independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs), though operational treaties typically limit this to fewer warheads—usually W88 (475 kiloton) or W76 (90 kiloton) thermonuclear warheads.

Launched from Ohio-class or British Vanguard-class submarines, it has a range exceeding 7,500 miles (12,000 km) and uses an inertial guidance system with stellar updates for high accuracy, achieving a circular error probable (CEP) of less than 100 meters.

Its key components include carbon-fiber-wound motor casings for reduced weight, a post-boost vehicle (PBV) that maneuvers to deploy warheads individually, and an advanced gas management system for in-space propulsion control.

The D5 is hardened for survivability against electromagnetic pulse (EMP) and designed for high-speed, depressed-trajectory launches to reduce warning time, forming a critical leg of the U.S. strategic nuclear triad.