Northrop Grumman’s SMART Demo static test demonstrated several solid rocket motor innovations at the company’s Promontory, Utah, test area on Dec. 7, 2023. (Photo: Northrop Grumman)
WASHINGTON — Aerospace and defense behemoth Northrop Grumman today lit up a new solid rocket motor developed by the company in less than a year in a full-scale static test — as part of a development campaign to speed new tech and manufacturing techniques, as well as expand its supplier base.
The company has no doubt been looking somewhat nervously into the rear view mirror as new competitors race into the market. Until recently, Northrop Grumman, via its 2018 acquisition of Orbital ATK, was one of only two major US suppliers of solid rocket motors, along with Aerojet Rocketdyne, acquired in by L3Harrris in July.
But over the past month or so, several big names in the Defense Department contracting world have launched development as well, via their own production, or having bought, or invested in, pioneering startups in the field. These include liquid engine maker Ursa Major, artificial intelligence specialist Anduril and Lockheed Martin.
Northrop Grumman’s initiative, called Solid Motor Annual Rocket Technology Demonstrator (SMART Demo), “successfully demonstrated several innovative technologies, alternate manufacturing materials and processes to reduce lead times by 75 percent,” the company said. These include:
- 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.
Northrop Grumman said it intends to conduct a SMART Demo annually for the foreseeable future as it invests in new developments.
“SMART Demo expands and strengthens Northrop Grumman’s supplier base by streamlining the test and qualification of new materials, processes and alternate suppliers who manufacture critical materials that use faster and more efficient processes,” the press release said.
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.
“As the company anticipates significantly expanding and increasing motor production count by 2030, it is constructing 11 new buildings and modifying 16 more to support new and existing programs,” the press release added.