1、Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS WebOrder Code RS21762Updated March 24, 2004Robust Nuclear Earth Penetrator BudgetRequest and Plan, FY2005-FY2009Jonathan MedaliaSpecialist in National DefenseForeign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Divi
2、sionSummaryThe FY2005 budget document for the National Nuclear Security Administration(NNSA) shows funding for the Robust Nuclear Earth Penetrator (RNEP) increasingsharply after FY2005 as the weapon proceeds beyond the study phase. NNSA states thatthese developments are shown for budgeting purposes
3、and do not represent an actualplan. It further states that the out-year figures are already out of date, but that no newfigures are available. A feasibility and cost study of RNEP currently under way wasprojected to cost $45 million between FY2003 and FY2005, but is now projected to cost$71 million
4、between FY2003 and FY2006. This report explains the budget request andprovides details on the plan. It will be updated as needed. CRS Report RL32130,Nuclear Weapon Initiatives: Low-Yield R&D, Advanced Concepts, Earth Penetrators,Test Readiness, by Jonathan Medalia, provides technical background and