Warhead Safety
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During their operational lives, whether in storage or in service, nuclear warheads present only a small radiological or explosive hazard. Their intrinsically safe design means that an accidental nuclear explosion, of whatever cause, is not a realistic possibility.
The Trident warhead can only be activated if its numerous systems function in a precise sequence. In addition there are independent safety mechanisms between each system; overcome only by the unique events experienced during the flight of a weapon to its target.
The warhead must also be capable of functioning after encountering the massive forces of gravity and extremes of temperatures experienced during its launch and re-entry into the earth’s atmosphere, in addition to any enemy countermeasures. It is designed to be strong and rugged enough to withstand the most demanding operational environments.
Strict safety precautions cover the rare transportation of nuclear warheads, via specially designed protective vehicles with the highest security measures.
The Trident warhead can only be activated if its numerous systems function in a precise sequence. In addition there are independent safety mechanisms between each system; overcome only by the unique events experienced during the flight of a weapon to its target.
The warhead must also be capable of functioning after encountering the massive forces of gravity and extremes of temperatures experienced during its launch and re-entry into the earth’s atmosphere, in addition to any enemy countermeasures. It is designed to be strong and rugged enough to withstand the most demanding operational environments.
Strict safety precautions cover the rare transportation of nuclear warheads, via specially designed protective vehicles with the highest security measures.