Test Marks First of Its Kind for 3-D Printed Motor Components
DULLES, Va.Nov. 1, 2017--
Orbital ATK (NYSE:OA), a global leader in aerospace and defense
technologies, announced it has successfully completed a series of static
test firings of a prototype tactical solid rocket motor built with
critical metal components fabricated by additive manufacturing, commonly
known as 3-D printing. These tests marked the first industry
demonstration of a 3-D printed complex rocket nozzle and closure
assembly in a tactical class rocket motor.
The motor was developed in partnership with the U.S. Army Aviation and
Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center (AMRDEC) at
Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. It incorporates leading-edge materials
technologies designed to improve the performance and safety of a next
generation anti-tank missile system. The prototype boost motors featured
a high strength graphite epoxy composite case, a reduced sensitivity
minimum signature rocket propellant, and 3-D printed components.
Assembly and testing of the prototype motors was conducted at Orbital
ATK s Tactical Propulsion and Ordnance facility in Rocket Center, West
Virginia.
The test firings successfully validated boost motor and component
performance across the full operational temperature range from -26
degrees to +145 degrees Fahrenheit, closely matching pre-test
predictions and meeting all test objectives. The 3-D printed single
piece high strength steel rocket nozzle and closure structure is
expected to improve system affordability by significantly reducing parts
count and manufacturing complexity of the current fielded system. In
addition, the perforated rocket motor igniter housing and nozzle
weatherseal used in the prototype tests were also additively
manufactured.
Orbital ATK has been very successful in taking additive manufacturing
out of the academic world and incorporating it into our industrial
design and operations, said Pat Nolan, Vice President and General
Manager for Orbital ATK s Missile Products Division, part of the Defense
Systems Group. Our goal is not just to create industry firsts, but to
create practical, reliable solutions that increase our products
effectiveness while reducing the time it takes to get them into the
field.
As part of the Army s Missile Science and Technology Enterprise
objectives, Orbital ATK and AMRDEC developed the prototype motor to
demonstrate and mature new and emerging materials technologies to
enhance system effectiveness and achieve insensitive munitions
compliance for next generation weapons that will protect soldiers,
troops, civilians, and assets from greater threats in all conditions.
Orbital ATK expects to continue this work for the next five years under
the recently awarded Rocket Propulsion Technology II research and
development contract.
Orbital ATK s Defense Systems Group is an industry leader in providing
innovative and affordable precision and strike weapons, advanced
propulsion and hypersonics, missile components across air-, sea- and
land-based systems, ammunition and related energetic products.
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About Orbital ATK
Orbital ATK is a global leader in aerospace and defense technologies.
The company designs, builds and delivers space, defense and aviation
systems for customers around the world, both as a prime contractor and
merchant supplier. Its main products include launch vehicles and related
propulsion systems; missile products, subsystems and defense
electronics; precision weapons, armament systems and ammunition;
satellites and associated space components and services; and advanced
aerospace structures. Headquartered in Dulles, Virginia, Orbital ATK
employs approximately 13,000 people across the U.S. and in several
international locations. For more information, visit www.orbitalatk.com.
Source: Orbital ATK
Orbital ATK
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Melissa Sheets, 443-591-0664
Group
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melissa.sheets@orbitalatk.com
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