Northrop Grumman has received a $94.3m contract from the US Navy to design and qualify a 21-inch diameter second-stage solid rocket motor (SSRM) intended for the service’s extended-range missile programmes.
The initiative supports the US Navy’s objective to counter rapid air, surface, and hypersonic threats.
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Under the agreement, continued design, production, and delivery of 60 units in an initial low-rate run will take place at Northrop Grumman’s Propulsion Innovation Center in Elkton, Maryland.
Propulsion systems from the company are planned for potential deployment on a variety of naval platforms as the US Navy considers extended range applications.
The new 21-inch rocket motor is intended to enhance speed and range for multiple mission types, such as air warfare, surface warfare, land strike operations, and ballistic missile defence roles.
US Navy officials expect the technology to support rapid and cost-effective fielding of hypersonic defence solutions.
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By GlobalDataNorthrop Grumman propulsion systems and control senior director Gordon LoPresti said: “Being chosen by the US Navy is an honour and a testament to our rapid development capabilities, production capacity and leadership in advanced propulsion solutions.
“The successful development and demonstration of our SSRM in just 10 months showcases our unique, affordable, and versatile extended-range capabilities that will equip the US Navy to excel in its defence and deterrence missions. We are eager and prepared to rapidly qualify and produce these motors in quantities to meet the needs of the US.”
Northrop Grumman reports ongoing investment in its manufacturing capacity and infrastructure to support delivery of advanced propulsion systems at scale.
Since 2018, the company has committed nearly $1bn towards expanding production capabilities for weapons components and solid rocket motors, responding to what it describes as growing customer demand.
Production activities related to propulsion take place across six Northrop Grumman sites in West Virginia, Utah, and Maryland, which together comprise 10 million square feet of manufacturing area.
The company is increasing small tactical SRM output in West Virginia by three times, doubling large SRM production in Utah, and raising manufacturing levels in Maryland by 25% to support anticipated high-demand programmes.
Last September, Northrop Grumman opened new production and assembly centre in Rocket Center, West Virginia, as part of efforts to increase delivery rates for advanced strike missiles.
