The U.S. Navy has awarded a significant contract to Northrop Grumman for the development and qualification of a second-stage solid rocket motor (SSRM) designed for extended-range missile programs. This contract, valued at $94.3 million, will facilitate the production of 60 units aimed at testing and initiating low-rate production. The work will take place at Northrop’s Propulsion Innovation Center located in Elkton, Maryland.
The new SSRM features a 21-inch (53-centimeter) diameter and is intended to enhance the speed and range of missiles, thereby supporting diverse Navy missions across air, surface, land, and ballistic missile defense operations. Importantly, it is positioned to address the growing threat of hypersonic missile capabilities, which have emerged as a critical area of concern for national defense.
Officials have indicated that the Navy may consider adopting this extended-range propulsion system across multiple military platforms, enhancing operational flexibility. Gordon LoPresti, a senior director at Northrop for propulsion systems and control, stated that this project showcases the company’s capability to provide rapid, cost-effective, and adaptable propulsion solutions. Remarkably, the SSRM development was completed in a swift timeframe of just 10 months.
This initiative forms part of the Navy’s strategy to bolster its response to quickly evolving threats, particularly hypersonic missiles, without the need to wait for entirely new interceptor designs.
Northrop Grumman’s involvement in the SSRM development reflects its broader commitment to advancing hypersonic and advanced propulsion technologies. The company is actively engaged in U.S. efforts to combat hypersonic threats and is involved in various projects, including the Glide Phase Interceptor program led by the Missile Defense Agency and cooperative initiatives with Japan.
With propulsion operations spread across six facilities in West Virginia, Utah, and Maryland, Northrop is significantly scaling up its production efforts. According to company announcements, production of small tactical solid rocket motors in West Virginia will see a threefold increase, while larger motors produced in Utah will double. Furthermore, Maryland’s manufacturing capacity is being expanded by 25% to meet the demands of upcoming high-demand programs, including air-breathing hypersonic propulsion systems.
Recent advancements, particularly in hypersonic navigation technology, underscore Northrop Grumman’s pivotal role as a key partner for the U.S. government in the rapid deployment of next-generation missile and propulsion capabilities.
