The SSGN program is converting four Trident Submarines (SSBNs) to carry out conventional strike and Special Operations Force (SOF) missions. The strategic missiles and weapons system will be removed from each SSBN and replaced with the SSGN Attack Weapon System. The Weapon System will include a Tomahawk weapons control system, and Multiple All-up-round Canisters (MACs) each of which will structurally support up to seven Tomahawk All-Up-Rounds within one Trident missile tube. Twenty-two of the original twenty-four missile tubes will be converted to carry MACs. The remaining two missile tubes will be converted to support only SOF operations that can, for example, interface with Advance SEAL Delivery System vehicles. Eight of the twenty-two missile tubes will be reconfigurable to interface with either MACs or SOF canisters. SSGN initial operational deployment is currently scheduled to occur in mid 2007.

Strategic Systems is providing its expertise in Underwater Launch in evaluating the risks associated with launching Tomahawk missiles from an SSGN. The general risk areas associated with SSGN launch were identified:

• debris - which considers the risks to platform and subsequent missiles associated with jettisoned components from Tomahawk missiles shortly after missile broach

• adjacent launch - which considers the risks to nearby structures (e.g., SOF vehicles and equipment))

• flowfield - which considers the effects of launching Tomahawks through the complex wakes generated by the Trident ship configured with SSGN systems and previously launched missiles from closely packed launch canisters

In support of the SSGN underwater launch risk assessment Strategic Systems played an integral role in the test launch of several Tomahawk missiles from the USS Florida in January of 2003. Personnel were intimately involved with the planning, performance, and instrumentation support of the test launches, including the role of Test Director. Personnel also provided instrumentation support of the follow-on Operation Giant Shadow, which demonstrated the SSGN SOF capability.

In addition to underwater launch risk assessment, Strategic Systems is also involved in several aspects of the SSGN Program including SSGN Attack Weapon System integration, requirements development, and test and evaluation planning.

The SSGN Test & Evaluation planning effort will leverage Strategic Systems extensive experience with Submarine Launch Ballistic Missile (SLBM) evaluation and will include the following objectives:

• Verify AWS, procedures, and technical documentation are ready for deployment

• Evaluate AWS performance in an operational environment

• Exercise normal and casualty modes of operation
• Test typical and infrequently used equipment configurations
• Analyze data to evaluate AWS performance

• Assess crew’s ability to plan and execute availability maintenance activities, and operate the system under normal and casualty conditions

• Verify Standard Operating Procedures are accurate and complete

• Establish baseline performance factors for future analysis