Miles Jamison 
Northrop Grumman has secured a $94.3 million contract from the U.S. Navy for the development and qualification of a new 21-inch diameter second-stage solid rocket motor, or SSRM.
What Is the Navy SSRM Contract?
The effort supports the Navy’s extended-range missile programs and is aimed at developing a new SSRM to strengthen the service’s extended-range hypersonic defense capabilities, Northrop said Wednesday. Under the contract, the company will continue development of the SSRM, with design work and low-rate initial production of 60 test units to be conducted at the company’s Propulsion Innovation Center in Elkton, Maryland.
“The successful development and demonstration of our SSRM in just 10 months showcases our unique, affordable, and versatile extended-range capabilities that will equip the U.S. Navy to excel in its defense and deterrence missions. We are eager and prepared to rapidly qualify and produce these motors in quantities to meet the needs of the U.S.,” said Gordon LoPresti, senior director of propulsion systems and control at Northrop Grumman.
How Will the SSRM Support Navy Missions?
The advanced propulsion system is designed to enhance the Navy’s ability to counter fast-moving air, surface and hypersonic threats. It is expected to significantly increase range and speed across a range of mission areas, including land strike, ballistic missile defense, and air and surface warfare. The Navy plans to field the SSRM across multiple platforms.
SSRM Testing & Demonstrations
As part of the SSRM’s development, Northrop Grumman has conducted a series of demonstrations to validate performance and readiness, including static fire tests and a full-scale qualification test.
