Redacted Version of Solid Rocket Motor (SRM) Industrial Capability Assessment.
Abstract
This paper documents an analysis of the current and likely future capability of the solid rocket motor (SRM) industry to meet potential DoD needs for large SRMs for ballistic missiles and other uses. The original report on the SRM analysis had a very limited distribution because it contained information and projections of a company-sensitive nature. The sensitive areas have been deleted from this version of the report, but the document is identical to the original in all other respects. The Industrial Analyses Center (IAC) of the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) conducted the work under sponsorship of the Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Industrial Affairs and Installations DUSD(IA&I). The paper describes the current state of this industry, discusses current supply problems, estimates future demand for SRMs, describes the extent to which SRM producers could be sustained by related, non-military SRM business, estimates the likely future capability of SRM producers, and provides recommendations for DoD consideration. The IAC found that reduced demand is likely to drive industry consolidation over the long term and to be sufficient to sustain at least two SRM primes to meet DoD needs. Production of space-launch SRMs will maintain most manufacturing capabilities, but increased R&D may be needed to maintain engineering capabilities needed for strategic SRMs. Space Shuttle SRM production has a large impact on the industry, and DoD should reevaluate this area following NASA decisions on possible replacement of that SRM.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA366936
Entities
People
- Charles W. Cook
- Herbert R. Brown
- James A. Carlson
- Leon S. Reed
- Robert C. Oliver
Organizations
- Institute for Defense Analyses