Advance Tactical Boosters Hot-Fired Under Simulated Extreme Conditions

Aerojet Rocketdyne’s advanced tactical booster program recently completed two successful hot-fire tests of a motor that had been conditioned to mimic extreme cold- and hot-soak conditions for air-launch application. The tests took place at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Edwards Air Force Base in California.

“Aerojet Rocketdyne has been the leading supplier of missile technology for decades and pioneered the development of liquid-fueled hypersonic propulsion systems,” said Aerojet Rocketdyne CEO and President Eileen Drake. “In addition to tactical and strategic solid rocket booster motors, Aerojet Rocketdyne provides divert and attitude control systems, warheads and scramjet propulsion systems that support a wide variety of weapon systems and development programs. We also provide ballistic missile targets through our Coleman Aerospace subsidiary.”

The solid rocket motor will be used to accelerate a vehicle during its initial phase of flight. The motors were tested at extreme temperatures to verify they will perform as expected across the full range of anticipated operational conditions.

"These ground hot-fire tests demonstrate the robustness of our motor technology to enable the next generation of air-launched boosters,” said Drake. “Data from these tests will be used to confirm our ballistic, thermal, structural and ignition models as we develop the next generation operational booster rocket motor.”

The solid rocket motors tested recently were designed and fabricated by Aerojet Rocketdyne for AFRL under a contract aimed at developing advanced booster technologies for use on future vehicles.

(Image provided with Aerojet Rocketdyne news release)

FMI: www.rocket.com