RTX, Northrop Grumman conduct successful rocket motor tests for U.S. Army's Next-Generation Short-Range Interceptor

Raytheon, an RTX business, and Northrop Grumman 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 providing 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 flying faster and performs better against aerial threats than existing interceptors. The missile can be fired from a tripod, vehicle or shoulder launcher.

In the 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.

“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,” says Tom Laliberty, president of Land and Air Defense Systems at Raytheon. “Alongside Northrop Grumman, Raytheon is delivering cutting-edge technology to protect our warfighters.”

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.

“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,” says 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's NGSRI design leverages more than 60 years of air defense experience to provide the world's most advanced shoulder-launched air defense missile for U.S. Army and Marine Corps. The company's use of modular system design and automated manufacturing has enabled faster development and production.