Large-class, second-stage rocket motor passes tests



by Richard Tomkins



Sacramento (UPI) Jun 26, 2013



A large-class second-stage rocket motor for the U.S. Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center has been tested by Aerojet Rocketdyne.

The test of the 92-inch diameter motor -- at sea level conditions -- was conducted at the Utah Test and Training Range at Hill Air Force Base.

"This motor firing demonstrates the flexibility of the stage to perform in either a booster or upper stage mode," said Tyler Evans, Aerojet Rocketdyne vice president, Rocket Shop Defense Advanced programs. "This test provides strategic options for the U.S. Air Force, other defense agencies and commercial customers."

The rocket motor was initially tested in February at simulated altitude conditions at the Arnold Engineering Development Center in Tennessee, Aerojet Rocketdyne said.

The large-class second-stage rocket motor was designed, fabricated and tested by Aerojet Rocketdyne under a demonstration contract that required the use of available technologies for propulsion systems.

Additional details of the testing of the rocket motors, for use on U.S. strategic missiles, were not disclosed.