Propulsion and Energy: Solid Rockets
Abstract
On November 16th, 2000 the culminination of an aggressive 23 month, jointly funded Integrated High-Payoff Rocket Propulsion Technology (IHPRPT) Phase I Missile Propulsion program by the Air Force Research Laboratory Propulsion Directorate and Alliant Techsystems resulted in a highly successful full-scale rocket motor demonstration. This motor contained the most new technology on any one demonstration since the Trident I (C4) 25 years ago. The full-scale test incorporated new case, propellant, nozzle, and control technologies in a 92 inch diameter, 120,000 pound class motor, and verified achievement of the Phase I program specific impulse, mass fraction, and cost goals. The technologies that were demonstrated have the potential to yield a 23% increase in payload capability at a 32 % lower cost for solid booster space lift applications are ready for transition into strategic missiles, small and large launch vehicles as stages or strap-on boosters. The IHPRPT Phase I Missile Propulsion demonstration is the first in a series of tests that are part of a three phased, government and industry coordinated effort that began in 1996 with the vision to double the propulsion capability by 2010. The Phase II programs, awarded during the past year, are part of the government/industry Technology for the Sustainment of Strategic Systems (TSSS) effort to maintain critical technology capability.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 30, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA404865
Entities
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory