The Navy's TRIDENT Fleet: Some Success but Several Major Problems

The TRIDENT submarine and missile fleet is a sea-based weapons system designed to deter nuclear attack. The Electric Boat Division of the General Dynamics Corporation was awarded the construction contract for the first submarine in July 1974. The Navy exercised its option for three more submarines; a contract for a fifth submarine, with options for up to two more, was awarded to Electric Boat in June 1977. The Lockheed Missiles and Space Company was awarded the prime contract for full-scale development and production of 52 TRIDENT I missiles in August 1974; the missile was aporoved for production through May 1977. After initial successful flight tests, further production was authorized.