Aerojet’s solid rocket motor in hot-fire test
Aerojet Rocketdyne has completed a successful hot-fire test of a controllable solid rocket motor for the US Air Force’s Demonstration and Validation Post Boost Study A programme.
The test was part of work to identify emerging propulsion concepts - specifically, post-boost propulsion systems - for strategic and missile defence systems.
Aerojet’s hot-fire test successfully demonstrated the increased capabilities of an advanced, controllable solid rocket motor system. According to the company, applying this technology could provide increased mission flexibility and capability in a future post boost propulsion system.
Tyler Evans, vice president of defense advanced programs at Aerojet Rocketdyne, said: ‘This programme allowed us to evaluate various advanced technology propulsion systems and select one of the most promising - a controllable solid rocket motor system for hardware demonstration testing.
‘Maturing this critical technology now will undoubtedly pay future dividends as our nation looks to modernise its strategic deterrent capabilities in the coming years.’
More from Land Warfare
-
Billion-dollar Belgium deal for NASAMS creates multinational air defence system
The National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) is in service on five continents with more than 120 platforms delivered. The system will now form part of Belgium’s Blue Dome air defence system alongside new orders for Skyranger air defence and Thales radar systems.
-
Clearer military requirements could unlock UGV market growth
Western armies continue to test uncrewed ground vehicles, but wider procurement will depend on turning ambitions for autonomy into defined operational roles and funded requirements.
-
Can NATO’s CUAS marketplace turn urgent demand into deliveries?
Framework contracts and leasing options aim to shorten acquisition timelines, while manufacturing partnerships could help suppliers scale production to meet allied demand.
-
A medium UGV market emerges as the US weighs up its options
The US is pursuing multiple UGV programmes, from commercial robotic platforms to new autonomy technologies. The combination of these efforts could prove key to turning ambition into operational capability.
-
NATO looks for answers to overcome standards hurdles and improve procurement
NATO is looking to artificial intelligence to provide integration between different C2 systems to create a common operational picture, potentially offering a faster route to interoperability than the slow-moving processes of NATO standards committees.