Aerojet Rocketdyne Conducts Large Rocket Motor Static Fire Test; Eileen Drake Quoted

Aerojet Rocketdyne has demonstrated the static fire performance of a new solid rocket motor designed to provide bolstered propulsion with reduced operational and production requirements.

The company said Tuesday its Missile Components Advanced Technologies Demonstration Motor, or MCAT, Demo exhibited functionality as designed.

The Air Force Research Laboratory oversaw the assessment at the Utah Test and Training Range. AFRL issued the program’s contract.

MCAT Demo uses a high-energy solid propellant, a modern nozzle and a graphite composite case.

“The research and development efforts for the Missile Components Advanced Technologies program are crucial to our nation’s strategic strike capability,” said Eileen Drake, president and CEO at Aerojet Rocketdyne.

Jason Mossman, chief of AFRL’s motors branch, said the program aims to boost the performance and component lifespan of intercontinental ballistic missiles.

AFRL plans to conduct more strategic-sized motor tests after the MCAT Demo static-firing.