U.S. defense firm Northrop Grumman completed a successful static test of its Precision Strike Missile rocket motor as part of its motor qualification effort.
According to Northrop Grumman’s release, “The test supports the necessary requirements to validate the company’s motor design for production.”
Vice president of missile products at Northrop Grumman, Rebecca Torzone said “With another successful rocket motor test complete, we are one step closer to providing the U.S. Army with a next-generation, long range fires capability.”
“Our new motor delivers enhanced performance that translates to increased weapon load out and standoff for our warfighter,” Torzone added.
Northrop Grumman’s statement said that the test validated that the motor met all performance requirements after being conditioned to extremely cold temperatures. The rocket motor would undergo a series of additional qualification tests before initial fielding in 2023.
Precision Strike Missile would replace the U.S. Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) and is expected to significantly extend the range and double the load out by providing two missiles per launch pod compared to ATACMS’ single missile.
This upgrade has been made possible by the new Northrop Grumman Precision Strike Missile rocket motor, which has incorporated “high-performance solid propulsion technologies” and improved soldier-safety features.
According to the company’s release, the “advancements allow for the quick turnaround of a production-ready Precision Strike Missile system to support the U.S. Army’s request for an early operational capability. The efficiency achieved from digital transformation ensures the warfighter is equipped quicker than ever before.”
Northrop Grumman will produce the Precision Strike Missile propulsion system at its manufacturing facility at the Allegany Ballistics Laboratory in Rocket Center.
