Articles tagged with "solid-rocket-motor"
US firm tests solid rocket motor, propulsion tech for target vehicles
Northrop Grumman, a Virginia-based US firm, has successfully tested the first of two new solid rocket motors—SMASH!22 and BAMM!29 2.0—under its Solid Motor Annual Rocket Technology Demonstrator (SMART Demo) program. The SMASH!22, a 22-inch diameter motor, underwent a static test fire that incorporated advanced manufacturing techniques, new materials, and innovative processes aimed at speeding development, improving performance, and reducing costs. This test generated extensive data to enhance understanding of these novel technologies, which are the first of their kind in the solid rocket motor industry. The SMART Demo program is an annual initiative designed to develop, build, and test new solid rocket motors and associated tooling, focusing on technologies such as complex additively manufactured components and alternative manufacturing materials. The second motor, BAMM!29 2.0, a 29-inch diameter Bombardment Attack Missile Motor, is scheduled for static testing in early 2026. Northrop
energysolid-rocket-motorpropulsion-technologyadvanced-manufacturingadditive-manufacturingmaterials-scienceaerospace-engineeringStatic fire test of advanced solid rocket motor could help make lethal air-to-air weapon
Two American defense companies, Raytheon and Anduril, recently conducted a successful static fire test of an advanced solid rocket motor (SRM) featuring a Highly Loaded Grain (HLG) configuration. This test, part of a contract with the Air Force Research Laboratory Munitions Directorate, validated the performance of a heavy-wall SRM designed to enhance propulsion technology for air-to-air weapon systems. The HLG design, developed by Anduril using technology from Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake and supported technically by Raytheon, allows for significantly greater volumes of energetic propellant. This results in increased specific impulse and improved motor performance, translating into extended range and greater tactical advantages for U.S. and allied forces. Beyond the technical achievement, Raytheon emphasized that the test represents progress toward building a more robust and adaptable supply base for solid rocket motors to meet emerging national security needs. The collaboration with Anduril aligns with Raytheon’s composable weapons strategy, aiming to develop flexible missile
energysolid-rocket-motorpropulsion-technologyadvanced-materialsdefense-technologyrocket-manufacturingenergetic-propellantUS to boost production of dual-thrust rocket motor, key for missiles
The United States is set to accelerate production of the Mk 104 dual-thrust rocket motor, a critical component of the Standard Missile program, through a new $26 million purchase order jointly executed by Raytheon and Avio USA. This order follows a contract signed 13 months earlier for preliminary engineering work and aims to expand the supply chain, enhance production capacity, and ensure the resilience and availability of the Mk 104 motor. The funding will support the project through the Critical Design Review phase, procurement of long-lead materials, and enable increased and faster production of solid rocket motors. The Mk 104 motor is essential for the SM-6 missile system, which integrates three missiles into one unit capable of anti-air, anti-surface, and ballistic missile defense missions, providing versatile sea control capabilities for the U.S. Navy and its allies. Both companies have completed key development milestones, including System Requirements and Preliminary Design Reviews, laying a strong foundation for further qualification and production. This collaboration also involves leveraging
energyrocket-motormissile-technologysolid-rocket-motorproduction-capacitydefense-technologymaterials-engineeringUS buys 2,000 missiles to hit stealth jets, hypersonics at 118,000 feet
The U.S. Army has awarded Lockheed Martin a $9.8 billion contract to produce nearly 2,000 PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) interceptors, marking the largest contract in the company’s Missiles and Fire Control division history. The PAC-3 MSE is the world’s most advanced air defense missile, capable of intercepting targets up to 75 miles (120 kilometers) away and at altitudes of 118,000 feet (36 kilometers). It employs “hit-to-kill” technology, destroying incoming threats through direct collision, which enhances its effectiveness against ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, hypersonic weapons, and aircraft. The missile features a two-pulse solid rocket motor, larger collapsible fins, improved actuators, longer-lasting thermal batteries, and an active radar seeker for autonomous terminal guidance, offering about 50% greater range and maneuverability than earlier models. Lockheed Martin is expanding production capacity to meet rising global demand, with plans to deliver
energymissile-defenseLockheed-Martinsolid-rocket-motorthermal-batterieshypersonic-weaponskinetic-energyUS firm's solid rocket motor with grain propellant tech tested
Colorado-based Ursa Major successfully conducted static fire tests of an upgraded solid rocket motor featuring its Highly Loaded Grain (HLG) propellant technology, which delivers increased performance and extended range without enlarging the motor’s size. Developed in collaboration with BAE Systems, this extended range variant is designed for the APKWS laser-guidance kit, a combat-proven system that converts unguided 2.75-inch rockets into precision-guided munitions (PGMs) with high accuracy and minimal collateral damage. The successful tests pave the way for a planned flight demonstration in fall 2025. Ursa Major’s next-generation motor incorporates a flexible design architecture compatible with multiple missile systems and integrates with its Lynx Manufacturing System, a software-enabled additive manufacturing line that enhances production speed and scalability. This approach aims to overcome legacy industrial bottlenecks and rapidly provide critical solid rocket motor capacity for the U.S. and allied forces. The APKWS system, qualified on numerous U.S. Department of Defense platforms
energysolid-rocket-motorgrain-propellantmissile-technologyadditive-manufacturingprecision-munitionsaerospace-materials156-foot-long solid rocket motor produces 4 million pounds of thrust
Northrop Grumman successfully conducted a full-scale static fire test of NASA’s Booster Obsolescence and Life Extension (BOLE) solid rocket motor, the world’s largest segmented solid rocket motor built for human spaceflight. The 156-foot-long, five-segment booster produced over 4 million pounds of thrust during a two-minute test, monitored by more than 700 data channels. This new booster features a composite carbon fiber case, updated propellant formulation, and advanced components, resulting in over 10 percent increased performance compared to the current five-segment Space Launch System (SLS) booster. The enhanced efficiency allows the booster to deliver an additional five metric tons of payload to lunar orbit, a critical capability for deep space missions. The BOLE booster development, initiated in 2017, aims to replace aging components no longer in production while aligning with commercial manufacturing standards and supporting a U.S.-based supply chain. Northrop Grumman leveraged its extensive experience from previous NASA programs, including
energyrocket-propulsionsolid-rocket-motorcomposite-materialsspace-launch-systemaerospace-engineeringcarbon-fiber-compositesUS' interceptor with solid motor can perform better against threats
The U.S. Army’s Next-Generation Short-Range Interceptor (NGSRI), developed by Raytheon and Northrop Grumman, has successfully undergone multiple tests of its solid rocket motor technology, known as Highly Loaded Grain (HLG). This advanced solid propellant offers longer burn times and greater energy output than conventional motors, enabling the missile to fly faster, extend its range, and perform more effectively against advanced aerial threats. The program has completed three static firings in varied environments and a successful ballistic flight demonstration, with further tests planned soon. The missile’s design allows it to be launched from various platforms, including tripods, vehicles, and shoulder launchers. Raytheon and Northrop Grumman’s collaboration has rapidly transitioned the HLG motor from concept to flight-ready status in under six months, leveraging modular design and automated manufacturing techniques. This propulsion innovation enhances speed, range, and mission flexibility in a compact form factor, marking a significant advancement over legacy air defense systems. The NGSRI builds on over 60 years of air defense expertise to deliver a highly capable shoulder-launched missile for the U.S. Army and Marine Corps, aiming to protect warfighters against evolving airborne threats with cutting-edge technology.
energysolid-rocket-motormissile-technologypropulsion-systemsdefense-technologyRaytheonNorthrop-Grumman