Northrop Grumman modernises US ICBM system
Northrop Grumman begins the insulation wind process for the first-stage solid rocket motor, applying insulation from right to left. (Photo: Northrop Grumman)
Northrop Grumman has achieved a key manufacturing milestone in the process of modernising the US’ ICBM systems.
Northrop Grumman has achieved a key manufacturing milestone in August as it successfully performed the first insulation and case wind of the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD) first-stage solid rocket motor.
They performed the insulation wind around a plaster tooling mandrel. The insulation protects the outer casing of the motor from extreme temperatures caused by burning propellant inside the motor.
Following insulation is the case wind process, which applies composite material around the insulation to form the outer structure, or shell, of the motor.
Northrop Grumman has begun a similar insulation and case wind process for the second-stage motor, as the programme team continues on track to the Air Force GBSD schedule.
The first-stage motor will begin testing to validate tooling and manufacturing processes as well as pressure-testing to ensure structural design integrity.
The new GBSD missile will be a three-stage solid rocket motor, Northrop Grumman is building the first and second stage.
Northrop Grumman was awarded the GBSD engineering and manufacturing development contract in September 2020 to begin modernising the nation’s ageing intercontinental ballistic missile system.
More from Air Warfare
-
![Germany acquires additional 20 H145M helicopters]()
Germany acquires additional 20 H145M helicopters
The order for the extra helicopters comes from an agreement penned in December 2023, with the German Army receiving the bulk of the platforms.
-
![Anduril UK and GKN Aerospace collaborate on British Army ACP bid]()
Anduril UK and GKN Aerospace collaborate on British Army ACP bid
The pair will submit their demonstrator concept for Project Nyx, a development project for the British Army’s Land Autonomous Collaborative Platform.
-
![US Army command’s Picatinny CLIK common lethal drone interface makes progress]()
US Army command’s Picatinny CLIK common lethal drone interface makes progress
The Picatinny Common Lethality Integration Kit is designed to overcome the issue of unique integration methods between lethal payloads and drones as well as avoiding problematic acquisition conditions created by vendor lock.
-
![Australia invests extra A$1.4 billion in MQ-28A Ghost Bat after successful missile fire test]()
Australia invests extra A$1.4 billion in MQ-28A Ghost Bat after successful missile fire test
The investment includes new contracts for six MQ-28A Ghost Bat aircraft, as well as provisional funds to invest in the development of a Block 3 prototype.
-
![US approves potential $4.7 billion missile and air defence system sales to Denmark and Italy]()
US approves potential $4.7 billion missile and air defence system sales to Denmark and Italy
Italy could field the JASSM-ER for its combat aircraft including the F-35, while Denmark has been approved for AMRAAM and an Integrated Battle Command system procurement.
-
![Northrop Grumman to fly new Project Talon CCA by late 2026]()
Northrop Grumman to fly new Project Talon CCA by late 2026
The newly unveiled collaborative combat aircraft looks to strike a balance between capability and cost-effectiveness, according to the company.
