ARLINGTON, Va., June 25 (UPI) -- A new large class Stage 1 solid rocket motor by ATK has been successfully tested with the U.S. Air Force under an ICBM propulsion applications program.
ATK said the motor uses emerging technologies from other Air Force developmental programs, including the Propulsion Application Program and Integrated High Payoff Rocket Propulsion Technology. Preliminary results of the test showed its performance was within predictions.
"This successful test demonstrates ATK's capabilities to provide the Air Force an updated, large class solid rocket motor with technologies that can be used to support future missions," said Scott Lehr, ATK Aerospace Systems vice president and general manager of Strategic and Commercial Systems. "Our design also maximizes the use of common materials and processes that improve affordability and reduce production lead times."
The U.S. Air Force is overseeing maturing and demonstrating available technologies for large class solid rocket motors for use in possible future propulsion systems.
Using available technologies and maturing them could be less costly than developing new technologies.
Additional details on the test were not disclosed.
