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Abstract: The case chronicles the evolution of the Trident nuclear submarine from its origins in the Office of the Secretary of Defense in 1966 as a cost-effective missile platform of modest capability, to its authorization in 1972 as the largest, most expensive, and most sophisticated US submarine ever built. The case illuminates the way a variety of constituencies and policy goals combine to influence the design of a major weapons system. Among the issues raised is the limited ability of short-term appointees and even presidents to prevail over technical experts who, in the course of long and successful government careers, have established power bases within their organizations and firm alliances with members of Congress.