Aerojet Rocketdyne Successfully Tests Advanced Large Solid Rocket Motor
May 13, 2020 | Business WireEstimated reading time: 1 minute
Aerojet Rocketdyne recently completed a successful static-fire test of an advanced large solid rocket motor, called the Missile Components Advanced Technologies Demonstration Motor (MCAT Demo), under contract to the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL).
“Aerojet Rocketdyne has produced large solid rocket motors for critical defense programs for more than 60 years, to include powering every U.S. Air Force ICBM ever fielded,” said Eileen Drake, Aerojet Rocketdyne CEO and president. “Today we are building a family of modern large solid rocket motors with improved performance at lower costs; the research and development efforts for the Missile Components Advanced Technologies program are crucial to our nation’s strategic strike capability.”
Aerojet Rocketdyne’s MCAT Demo large solid rocket motor design incorporates numerous advanced technologies and materials. The program’s primary goal is to develop technologies to increase propulsion performance and lower manufacturing and operational costs for future applications. In order to meet the goals, the MCAT Demo design consists of a state-of-the-art graphite composite case, an affordable advanced nozzle and high-energy, long-life solid propellant.
“The successful MCAT Demo enables future Air Force ICBMs to deliver higher performance while reducing cost,” said Jason Mossman, Chief of the Motors Branch at AFRL, Edwards Air Force Base. “We are committed to providing world-class technology for Air Force Nuclear Deterrence Operations, and we are very pleased with the outcome of the MCAT Demo.”
During the static firing, the 52-in. diameter MCAT Demo motor fired successfully. Initial post-test inspection indicates that all components functioned as designed. AFRL provided technical and managerial oversight of the MCAT contract.
“ICBMs must be ready to fly on a moment’s notice in harsh environments and at speeds greater than Mach 20," said Mossman. “AFRL’s program focuses on long-life components and options for low cost ICBM maintenance.”
AFRL facilitated the testing at the Utah Test and Training Range to demonstrate the performance of the Aerojet Rocketdyne MCAT rocket motor. The MCAT Demo motor firing is the first test in a series of strategic-sized motor demonstrations planned in the near future.
Suggested Items
Scape Technologies Introduces SCAPE CoCreator at Hannover Messe 2024
04/18/2024 | Scape TechnologiesToday's industrial robotics, 3D Vision, and AI are often confined by costs, complexity, and limited accessibility and usability. Scape Technologies is revolutionizing this field by broadening the horizons of what is possible.
Plasmatreat at IPC APEX EXPO 2024
04/02/2024 | PlasmatreatFor the pretreatment of highly sensitive electronic components, Plasmatreat will present a real innovation at the IPC APEX Expo in Anaheim 2024: The new REDOX tool safely and effectively reduces oxide layers on electronic components in an inline process.
Würth Elektronik Presents LEDs with Integrated Controllers
03/27/2024 | Würth ElektronikWürth Elektronik now offers WL-ICLED, a new series of RGB LEDs with integrated controller (IC). The components, controllable as pixels, combine a red, green and blue LED with a programmable contoller IC.
ROCKA Solutions to Showcase Comprehensive Manufacturing Solutions at the Del Mar Show
03/25/2024 | ROCKA SolutionsROCKA Solutions is excited to announce its participation in the upcoming Del Mar Electronics & Manufacturing Show, scheduled to take place on April 24-25, 2024 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in San Diego, CA. ROCKA Solutions will be exhibiting in Booth 650, where attendees can learn more about the company's commitment to enhancing supply chains and supporting various manufacturing sectors.
US Satellite D2D Market Expected to Hit $6.5B by 2027, Taiwanese PCB and Antenna Manufacturers Set to Enter Supply Chain
03/14/2024 | TrendForceTrendForce’s projections foresee that the US satellite direct-to-device (D2D) market is expected to undergo significant growth, expanding from $430 million in 2023 to $6.5 billion by 2027 at a CAGR of 36%.