Raytheon, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, and Northrop Grumman (NYSE: NOC) announced four successful tests of flight-ready Highly Loaded Grain (HLG) solid rocket motors for the U.S. Army’s Next-Generation Short-Range Interceptor (NGSRI).
HLG is a solid propellant technology for rocket motors that provides longer burn time and more energy output than conventional solid rocket motors, which extends the range of Raytheon’s NGSRI offering compared to other missiles.
The Next-Generation Short-Range Interceptor is the U.S. Army’s new short-range missile that flies faster and performs better against aerial threats than existing interceptors. The missile can be fired from a tripod, vehicle or shoulder launcher.
In this latest round of testing, the team completed three static firings in different environments, followed by a successful ballistic flight demonstration. Over the coming months, additional flight tests are planned.
Raytheon is leveraging collaborative research at the Northrop Grumman Allegany Ballistics Laboratory in West Virginia to rapidly develop the new extended-range motor design, transitioning from proof of concept to first flight in a record time of less than six months.
These tests demonstrate our ability to rapidly develop this transformational air defense capability, which can defeat a variety of airborne threats at far greater ranges than legacy systems,” said Tom Laliberty, president of Land and Air Defense Systems at Raytheon. “Alongside Northrop Grumman, Raytheon is delivering cutting-edge technology to protect our warfighters.”
Northrop Grumman continues to push the boundaries on next-generation propulsion technology, and we’re excited to work with Raytheon to bring this advanced solution for warfighters at record pace,” said Frank DeMauro, vice president and general manager, Weapon Systems, Northrop Grumman. “Developed and demonstrated in five months, this innovative HLG motor provides increased speed, range, effectiveness and mission flexibility in a very small package.”
Raytheon has also been awarded a $1.1 billion contract from the U.S. Navy to produce AIM-9X Block II missiles—this is the largest contract awarded for the program and will increase production to 2,500 missiles per year.
AIM-9X is the most advanced infrared-tracking, short-range, air-to-air and surface-to-air missile that is combat proven in several theaters around the world. It is configured for easy installation on a wide range of modern aircraft and provides proven layered defense with ground-launched capabilities, including the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System, or NASAMS.
A U.S. Navy-led joint program with the U.S. Air Force, AIM-9X is used by more than 30 allied and partner nations and continues to gain international interest.
This award represents a historic milestone for the AIM-9X program, further emphasizing its importance to the U.S. and partnered nations,” said Barbara Borgonovi, president of Naval Power at Raytheon. “Through our partnership with the U.S. Navy, we are well-positioned to support this increased demand.”