Northrop Fires Up Solid Rocket Motor to Validate Design, Performance

Northrop Grumman’s upper-stage solid rocket motor has undergone a static fire test at the U.S. Air Force Arnold Engineering Development Complex to validate the product’s capabilities and ensure it can support flight missions.

The testing event confirmed that the C50 High Performance rocket motor system, designed in a digital environment using model-based systems engineering, can withstand various loads and extreme environments, Northrop said.

According to the company, using digital systems to develop the upper-stage motor allows engineers to accelerate the integration of design and performance requirements into the hardware.

“Our implementation of digital solutions across our business is transforming how we design, test and manufacture next-generation propulsion systems,” said Jim Kalberer, vice president of propulsion systems at Northrop. “C50HP increases productivity for our customers by allowing the team to more quickly design and test additional solid rocket motor capabilities,” he added.

With the rocket motor’s performance validated, Northrop expects to offer enhanced upper-stage capability to defense and commercial customers.