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."
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