US: New Sentinel nuclear missile program advances with silo and booster work

The U.S. Air Force is moving forward with its LGM-35A Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) program. Work is underway in digital engineering, missile manufacturing, launch-silo development, and booster integration. This program aims to replace the aging Minuteman III and modernize the land-based part of the U.S. nuclear triad. The program is progressing at several sites in Utah, where Northrop Grumman and Air Force teams are building and testing the infrastructure for the new missile system. The Sentinel is expected to serve the U.S. ICBM force into the 2070s. At Northrop Grumman’s Roy Innovation Center in Utah, engineers use computer-based engineering tools to speed up development and improve the design of new ICBM features. Digital engineering allows teams to work with detailed virtual models before moving on to building physical systems. This method is combined with manufacturing and integration work at the nearby Promontory site. The Promontory site supports several key parts of the program. These include building a standard launch-silo prototype, making missile cases, and providing facilities to integrate the Sentinel’s boosters. New infrastructure takes shape Modernizing the Sentinel involves more than just the missile. The Air Force is also getting ready to move from the current Minuteman III force and is developing equipment to support operations during the transition. Plans include a new Minuteman missile transporter erector and possibly using the Air Force Repair and Enhancement Program. These steps are meant to keep the current force ready while the new system is prepared for deployment. Air Force Global Strike Command’s Detachment 13 is also contributing operational knowledge. Missile operators and maintainers are giving feedback to help decide how Sentinel will be run and supported. Airmen prepare for the transition Gen. S.L. Davis, commander of Air Force Global Strike Command, said Sentinel would “significantly improve the effectiveness of America’s ICBM force,” helping the country deter any aggressor. “It was good to see the progress on Sentinel firsthand,” he said. “Sentinel is not simply an upgrade to our ICBM mission; it’s a necessary leap forward that improves our capabilities while also improving safety and security. The dedication of our Airmen and industry partners is what will make this critical modernization effort possible.” Chief Master Sgt. Shawn M. Aiello, Air Force Global Strike Command’s command chief, said personnel will be able to use their current skills with the new system. “Sentinel is an evolutionary step in our ICBM capabilities,” Aiello added. “Our maintainers, defenders, command post controllers, our weather Airmen, airfield operations … our Airmen are going to see a newer version of our ground-based strategic capability in Sentinel. It’s great to see the progress made in the last two years with our partnerships.” A decades-long defense effort “In the coming years, Airmen will start seeing pieces and parts of this that will make it very real,” Aiello added. The Air Force expects Sentinel to provide a more effective, safe and secure ICBM capability well into the 2070s. Davis described the project as a broader national-defense effort rather than simply a missile replacement. “What we’re building here is more than just a new missile; we are building the future of national defense. The work being done here in Utah is at the very heart of that effort.” Sentinel remains a central part of the Air Force’s long-term plan to modernize U.S. land-based nuclear forces. The program also supports the Department of War’s policy of delivering peace through strength.Get the latest in engineering, tech, space & science - delivered daily to your inbox.A versatile writer, Sujita has worked with Mashable Middle East and News Daily 24. When she isn't writing, you can find her glued to the latest web series and movies.