Aerojet Rocketdyne Selected to Power Nation’s Next Generation Strategic Deterrent

Rhea-AI Summary

Aerojet Rocketdyne has secured a key role in Northrop Grumman's Ground Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD) program, focusing on developing a large solid rocket motor and post-boost propulsion systems. The company, leveraging decades of experience, aims to enhance the U.S. nuclear deterrent capabilities with advanced propulsion technologies. New manufacturing facilities in Alabama and Arkansas will support the production of affordable rocket motors. Aerojet Rocketdyne has also supported Northrop Grumman in previous strategic programs, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to national security.

Positive

• Awarded contract for developing large solid rocket motor and post-boost propulsion system for GBSD.
• Investment in new manufacturing facilities aimed at producing cost-effective propulsion solutions.
• Established history of supporting the U.S. Air Force's strategic systems, including Minuteman III.

Negative

• None.

HUNTSVILLE, Ala., Sept. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aerojet Rocketdyne will develop a large solid rocket motor and the post-boost propulsion system for the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD) program as a key member of Northrop Grumman’s nationwide GBSD team. Northrop Grumman was selected by the Air Force as the prime contractor for GBSD’s Engineering and Manufacturing Development phase.

Aerojet Rocketdyne will leverage its decades of experience and broad range of capabilities to provide propulsion for the nation’s modernized nuclear deterrent.

“Aerojet Rocketdyne has a proud legacy of powering our nation’s strategic deterrent, and we look forward to building upon that legacy as part of Northrop Grumman’s nationwide GBSD team,” said Eileen P. Drake, Aerojet Rocketdyne CEO and president. “Our investments in state-of-the-art facilities and innovative technologies enable us to deliver advanced propulsion systems with improved performance at lower costs.”

The company’s propulsion has powered every U.S. Air Force Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) fielded. Aerojet Rocketdyne has invested significantly in advanced manufacturing capability and new facilities to provide cutting-edge and affordable propulsion solutions for critical next generation national security programs like GBSD.

One example of how Aerojet Rocketdyne has improved on decades of solid rocket motor propulsion is the company’s recent announcement of a successful demonstration of an advanced large solid rocket motor, whose design incorporates numerous advanced technologies and materials.

Aerojet Rocketdyne’s new Advanced Manufacturing Facility (AMF) in Huntsville, Alabama, and new Engineering, Manufacturing and Development (EMD) facility in Camden, Arkansas, were designed to provide more affordable large solid rocket motors for GBSD using modern and efficient manufacturing methods. The company has also made important investments in precision liquid rocket propulsion technology, including for GBSD’s post-boost propulsion system at its facility in Canoga Park, California. Additionally, Aerojet Rocketdyne is responsible for testing of post-boost system components for GBSD.

The 136,000-square-foot AMF will produce advanced propulsion products such as solid rocket motor cases for GBSD, as well as other hardware for key U.S. defense and space programs. The 17,000 square-foot large solid rocket motor EMD facility is the latest in Aerojet Rocketdyne’s ongoing expansion in Arkansas, where the company has long had a presence and currently produces more than 75,000 solid rocket motors per year.

Aerojet Rocketdyne’s role on Northrop Grumman’s nationwide GBSD team builds on prior work supporting Northrop Grumman on strategic programs. In particular, Aerojet Rocketdyne has supported Northrop Grumman as the prime contractor responsible for sustaining Minuteman III. As the Original Equipment Manufacturer for the post-boost propulsion system, Aerojet Rocketdyne completed a service life extension in 2014 and continues to provide sustaining engineering support for that system to the U.S. Air Force today.

About Aerojet Rocketdyne: Aerojet Rocketdyne, a subsidiary of Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:AJRD), is a world-recognized aerospace and defense leader that provides propulsion systems and energetics to the space, missile defense and strategic systems, and tactical systems areas, in support of domestic and international customers. For more information, visit www.Rocket.com and www.AerojetRocketdyne.com. Follow Aerojet Rocketdyne and CEO Eileen Drake on Twitter at @AerojetRdyne and @DrakeEileen.

Media Contacts:
Eileen Lainez, Aerojet Rocketdyne, 571-239-7839
Eileen.Lainez@Rocket.com

FAQ

What is Aerojet Rocketdyne's role in the GBSD program?

Aerojet Rocketdyne will develop the large solid rocket motor and post-boost propulsion system as part of Northrop Grumman's team for the GBSD program.

When was Aerojet Rocketdyne's contract for the GBSD program announced?

The contract announcement was made on September 8, 2020.

What facilities has Aerojet Rocketdyne invested in for the GBSD program?

Aerojet Rocketdyne has invested in a new Advanced Manufacturing Facility in Alabama and an Engineering, Manufacturing and Development facility in Arkansas.

How does Aerojet Rocketdyne's history support its work on the GBSD program?

The company has a longstanding history of powering U.S. Air Force ICBMs and has previously supported Northrop Grumman on other strategic programs.

What technologies are incorporated in Aerojet Rocketdyne's advanced solid rocket motor?

The advanced solid rocket motor features numerous advanced technologies and materials to improve performance.