SACRAMENTO, Calif., Nov. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Aerojet, a GenCorp company, recently conducted a critical static fire test of an innovative, low-cost large booster in support of the U.S. Navy's Submarine Launched Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile (SLIRBM) demonstration. The motor design incorporates cost-saving manufacturing techniques and tested several new high-performance technologies for potential use in Department of Defense Prompt Global Strike efforts.
This unique Aerojet booster tested several advanced technologies, including a highly efficient solid propellant that is designed to maximize performance. The Aerojet team employed cutting-edge manufacturing methods to demonstrate a low-cost tactical motor fabrication approach. In addition, the company used a new, environmentally benign resin in the manufacture of the graphite composite case and configured a modular nozzle/thrust vector actuation system to simplify assembly of the rocket motor.
With U.S. Navy personnel in attendance, the 12-foot, 32" in diameter, high-performance demonstration motor was tested, and achieved a peak thrust of over 50,000 lbf. Post-test inspection and data will be used to compare component performance and ballistic performance to analytical prediction models. Primary ballistic and structural composite case performance goals were met. Test data will be used to improve design margins in areas where performance fell short of analytical prediction models. Aerojet incorporated several state-of-the-art modeling and analytical tools throughout design, fabrication and testing.
The Aerojet team will use the results from the SLIRBM test to advance rocket motor design options for the Submarine Launched Global Strike Missile (SLGSM) concept. "This advanced rocket motor design and fabrication approach is a testament to Aerojet's capabilities and ingenuity," said Aerojet's vice president of Defense Programs, Dick Bregard. "This SLIRBM test is an important step forward in developing future U.S. Navy submarine launch capabilities."
Mark Kaufman, executive director of Aerojet's Strategic Propulsion Programs, said, "In addition to the SLIRBM motor that Aerojet designed, tooled, fabricated and tested in approximately one year, we are working on several other large motor demonstration programs that will round out our booster family portfolio. Customers will be able to take advantage of a variety of motor sizes, capabilities, and cost structures to meet their needs."
Aerojet is a world-recognized aerospace and defense leader principally serving the missile and space propulsion, defense and armaments markets. GenCorp is a leading technology-based manufacturer of aerospace and defense products and systems with a real estate segment that includes activities related to the entitlement, sale, and leasing of the company's excess real estate assets. Additional information about Aerojet and GenCorp can be obtained by visiting the companies' Web sites at http://www.aerojet.com/ and http://www.gencorp.com/.
