Missile Technology Gets New Level of Promise
Aerojet has announced the first successful test
flight of a controllable thrust solid rocket motor. The test,
recently conducted at White Sands Missile Range (NM), required the
motor to provide on-command thrust on a real-time basis for the
NetFires Precision Attack Missile, a part of the Department of
Defense NetFires program. The motor met all prescribed
objectives.
On-command thrust provides the capability for
longer range, shorter time-to-target, and multi-mission flexibility
for each launched motor. The controllable thrust motor flown in
early June -- perhaps the first such flight test in the world --
demonstrated the ability to provide the required thrust over the
duration of the motor burn. The duration of the burn was
approximately 50 seconds for a flight that was approximately two
minutes; it was conducted by prime contractor Raytheon. The
successful flight concluded with a remarkable, "close enough"
landing (below).
"The very successful test was a significant milestone for
Aerojet," said Joe Abbate, Aerojet executive director, Defense
Systems. "This first flight of a tactical controllable thrust motor
paves the way for further system development, production and
implementation of a proven technology."
Aerojet previously conducted development, then
flight-weight tests, vibration testing and temperature cycling over
a five-year period to prepare for the flight test. Supported by
investments from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
(DARPA), the U.S. Army and Navy, and Raytheon, Aerojet pursued
meeting stringent technical requirements and challenging low-cost
expectations. Additional controllable thrust motors will be flown
through the end of 2003, and Aerojet will enter a five-year System
Design and Development program with Raytheon, preceding final motor
production.
"Aerojet's controllable thrust technology will be a key
component of the Army's Non-Line-of-Sight Launch System and the
Precision Attack Missile," commented Glen Sutton, Raytheon NetFires
program manager. "The use of this technology, developed on the
NetFires program, will enable us to deliver a far better product to
the U.S. Army."
In other company news, Aerojet is licensing the Shell 405
catalyst production process from Shell Chemical Company, and has
begun manufacturing alumina-based iridium catalysts under the S-405
name. Shell has discontinued manufacture of the catalyst. Aerojet
will sell S-405 for worldwide spacecraft and launch vehicle
applications.