Comment: Recent updates on Northrop Grumman achievements and ongoing efforts including Sentinel rocket motor development.
https://news.northropgrumman.com/news/releases/northrop-grumman-successfully-tests-a-new-solid-rocket-motor-developed-in-less-than-a-year
Northrop Grumman’s SMART Demo static test successfully demonstrates several solid rocket motor innovations at the company’s Promontory, Utah, test area.
(Photo Credit: Northrop Grumman)
Quote from Northrop Grumman News Room:
PROMONTORY, Utah – Dec. 8, 2023 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) successfully conducted a full-scale static test fire of a new solid rocket motor that was developed in less than a year as part of its Solid Motor Annual Rocket Technology Demonstrator (SMART Demo).
The SMART Demo successfully demonstrated several innovative technologies, alternate manufacturing materials and processes to reduce lead times by 75 percent, including:
- Several advanced, long-lead tooling products as well as components of the solid rocket motor’s nozzle structure, constructed with additive manufacturing techniques
- A new cost-effective solid rocket motor propellant capable of operating at cold temperatures
- Alternative suppliers and new materials that could supplement or replace other long-lead materials experiencing challenged supply chains
Expert:
Wendy Williams, vice president, propulsion systems, Northrop Grumman: “We are designing and building the world's largest and most advanced solid rocket motors, and we’re proving we can do so with shorter lead times, an expanded supply chain and increased agility for our customers.”
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Quote:
The company has no doubt been looking somewhat nervously into the rear view mirror as new competitors race into the skyrocketing Pentagon market.
By THERESA HITCHENS on December 08, 2023 at 2:03 PM
"The company further said is working on five new motors simultaneously — a first — including one for the Defense Department’s high-priority LGM-35A Sentinel ICBM, being developed to replace the aging Minuteman III arsenal."
