Mary-Louise Hoffman
The U.S. Air Force and ATK have jointly tested a 92-inch-diameter solid rocket motor as part of the branch’s Large Class Stage I program.
ATK designed the rocket with technologies it previously used for Air Force propulsion developmental projects, the company said Tuesday.
Scott Lehr, vice president and general manager of ATK’s defense and commercial division, said the company aims for the motor to use technologies that can be applied for future missions.
Large Class Stage I rockets are funded through the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Demonstration/Validation Propulsion Applications program, according to the company.
East Aurora, N.Y.-based Moog produced the motor’s thrust vector controls, which incorporate common hardware intended for use on other ATK engines.
ATK says it has designed, tested and delivered more than 3,800 stage motors to support U.S. military missions.
