PROMONTORY, Utah– WEBWIRE– Friday, December 8, 2023
Northrop Grumman Corporation, known in stock exchange as NYSE: NOC, has successfully conducted a major static test fire of a cutting-edge solid rocket motor that was developed in less than a year as part of the Solid Motor Annual Rocket Technology Demonstrator (SMART Demo).
The SMART Demo showcased a number of innovative technologies, alternative manufacturing materials and processes to reduce lead times by 75 percent, including:
- Several advanced, long-lead tooling 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
- Alternate suppliers and new materials that could supplement or replace other long-lead items facing supply chain challenges
Wendy Williams, vice president of propulsion systems at Northrop Grumman said, ”We are designing and building the world’s largest and most advanced solid rocket motors, and we’re demonstrating that we can do so with shorter lead times, an expanded supply chain, and increased agility for our customers.”
About SMART Demo:
The SMART Demo demonstrates the successful implementation of new solid rocket motor technologies, materials, and processes to reduce development time and costs and improve motor performance. The efforts include the design, development, construction, and testing of a new solid rocket motor and associated tooling.
Northrop Grumman plans to conduct SMART Demos annually as the company continues to invest in and advance solid rocket motor development and propulsion. SMART Demo expands and strengthens Northrop Grumman’s supplier base by improving the testing and qualification of new materials, processes, and alternate suppliers who produce critical components using faster and more efficient processes.
The company is also developing five new motors simultaneously for the first time. As it anticipates significantly expanding and increasing motor production by 2030, Northrop Grumman is constructing 11 new facilities and modifying 16 more to support new and existing programs.
Northrop Grumman is a leading global aerospace and defense technology company. Their innovative solutions empower their customers with the capabilities they need to connect and protect the world, and push the boundaries of human exploration across the universe. Driven by a shared purpose to solve their customers’ toughest problems, their employees define possibility every day.
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