Aerojet Developing New ICBM Motors Through An Air Force Contract

Aerojet and the U.S. Air Force successfully conducted a full-scale, full-duration static test of Aerojet's Advanced Second Stage (A2S) motor, reporting that all test objectives were fully achieved.

Aerojet developed the large solid propellant rocket motor on the Propulsion Application Program (PAP) under contract to the 526th ICBM Systems Group at Hill AFB, Utah. The test was conducted at simulated altitude conditions, essentially zero atmospheric pressure, by the Air Force's Arnold Engineering Development Center in Tullahoma, PA. The purpose was to measure true motor performance in a flight-like environment. This was the second successful static test of the A2S motor following a flawless sea-level test at the Air Force Research Laboratory at Edwards AFB in California in June.

The PAP program's primary goal is to develop a new generation of ICBM-sized motors with increased propulsion performance and lower manufacturing and operational costs. In order to meet these goals, the A2S design consists of numerous new technologies and manufacturing materials and processes including a graphite composite case fabricated with environmentally friendly materials, a low-cost movable nozzle capable of six degrees of thrust vector control, Honeywell-supplied electrical-mechanical actuators and digital controller, and high energy solid propellant developed at Aerojet's Sacramento, CA facility.

Initial post-test inspection indicates that the motor performance was excellent and the component design was robust. This is the final static test of the A2S motor under the PAP program as the design has been validated under both sea-level and altitude conditions.

The successful test culminates a multi-year effort that applies technology pertinent to the sustainment of strategic strike missile architecture," said Mark Kaufman, executive director of Strategic Propulsion Programs at Aerojet. "The Propulsion Applications Program has proven to be a worthwhile initiative for balancing design, technology and methods of manufacture with overall weapon system life cycle cost. The A2S can now be added to the Air Force portfolio of ICBM propulsion options as they weigh alternatives for the sustainment of strategic strike. The A2S program also provided an excellent venue for engaging a new generation of propulsion engineers."

FMI: www.aerojet.com