Aerojet to develop controllable thrust motors for US Army missiles

19 May 2000

The US Army has awarded Aerojet a three-year, $5 million contract to develop controllable thrust propulsion for Army tactical missiles, primarily Modernized Hellfire and Common Missile but also Compact Kinetic Energy Missile.

Beginning this month, Aerojet will produce concept designs then test and build flight hardware by 2003. The goal is to develop motors that will allow Army tactical missiles to fufill multiple missions with one rocket motor. This technology has been described as 'putting a gas pedal' on a missile.

"Aerojet has been a leader in controllable thrust propulsion for 40 years, and we are pleased that the Army intends to field this technology,'' said Bob Keenan, Aerojet programme manager for controllable thrust propulsion.

Aerojet will carry out the work in Sacramento for the Army Missile Command (AMCOM) at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Ala. Initial studies are underway with testing expected to begin by next year. Some testing may take place at AMCOM.

DSD