NNSA News:WASHINGTON, D.C. ― The Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (DOE/NNSA) has completed production of the U.S. Navy-sponsored Arming Fuzing Subsystem in support of the W76-1/Mk4A Life Extension Program (LEP) on time and on budget.
The subsystem is a key component of the W76-1 LEP that will extend the original warhead service life from 20 to 60 years.
“Completing this subsystem is a major achievement for NNSA and the many gifted engineers, scientists and technicians dedicated to serving our vital national security mission through stockpile stewardship,” said Phil Calbos, acting deputy administrator for NNSA’s Defense Programs.
The W76 warhead was first introduced into the stockpile in 1978 and continues to serve a key role in the submarine-launched ballistic missile force structure of the U.S. nuclear deterrent’s triad.
“This accomplishment is a fine example of the interagency cooperation and support that is so crucial to securing our nation,” said Vice Admiral Terry J. Benedict, director of the Navy’s Strategic Systems Programs.
The Arming Fuzing Subsystem is an electro-mechanical assembly that integrates the weapon’s radar, programmer, and timer in a single compact unit.
The W76-1 LEP is supported by personnel from the Kansas City National Security Campus in Missouri; the Pantex Plant in Amarillo, Texas; the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge, Tennessee; the Savannah River Site in Aiken, South Carolina; Los Alamos National Laboratory in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, New Mexico and Livermore, California.
See the W76-1 LEP Fact Sheet to learn more about this program.
