Aerojet TAM Produced Over 48,000 Lbf. Of Thrust

Aerojet and the US Air Force recently conducted a static test of Aerojet's Technology Assessment Motor (TAM) in support of the US Air Force's Integrated High Payoff Rocket Propulsion Technology (IHPRPT) Phase II program. The test was conducted at simulated altitude conditions by the Air Force Research Laboratory at Edwards Air Force Base, CA.

Aerojet's TAM design incorporates numerous advanced technologies and materials to demonstrate achievement of IHPRPT Phase II performance goals for solid propulsion rocket motors. These goals focus on increasing motor performance by four percent and improving mass fraction 25 percent while at the same time providing a 25 percent reduction in hardware, operational and support costs.

In order to meet the above goals, Aerojet's TAM configuration utilizes new technologies, materials and fabrication processes, including 6,380 lbm of high energy solid propellant loaded in a composite case that uses environmentally benign resin and a supersonic splitline flexseal nozzle (SSFN) with a domestically produced Triaxially-Braided C/C Exit Cone.

This new modular electrical-mechanical thrust vector control actuation (EM TVA) system was integrated by Orbital Sciences Corporation using Moog-supplied EM actuators and a digital controller. The unique SSFN represented the highest payoff component to be evaluated as it enabled increased motor performance and mass fraction as well as enhanced Thrust Vector Control (TVC) capability for upper stage strategic propulsion systems. It was the first full-scale, long-duration, altitude static test of this technology as part of the IHPRPT program.

During the 42 second static firing, the 46-in. diameter TAM achieved a peak thrust of more than 48,000 lbf. Initial post-test inspection indicates that all components, including the supersonic flexseal nozzle, propellant grain, insulated composite case, igniter and TVA successfully met performance goals.

"We are proud to continue Aerojet's tradition of excellence for technical innovations and performance on Air Force strategic propulsion programs. We stand prepared to maintain this capability for the next generation of Air Force large class rocket motors," said Executive Director of Strategic Propulsion Programs, Mark Kaufman.

In addition to the new technologies evaluated as part of the IHPRPT Phase II program, Aerojet incorporated physics-based modeling and analytical tools that were developed under the USAF's Solid Rocket Motor Modeling Program. The Aerojet team will use the results from the IHPRPT TAM static firing to further advance these design tools as well as evaluate rocket motor design options for future strategic and space lift concepts.

"Aerojet's recent large motor focus has been on demonstrating lower cost technologies and rapid, robust manufacturing processes in order to be able to support new opportunities that require quick turnaround with minimum development risk. This enables us to support the U.S. Family of Motors approach for a wide variety of applications."

FMI: www.aerojet.com/, www.af.mil