Northrop Grumman Corporation has demonstrated the design and build of its 2024 Solid Motor Annual Rocket Technology Demonstrator (SMART Demo) solid rocket motor case using an innovative modular tooling approach for manufacturing large composite solid rocket motor (SRM) cases.
Northrop Grumman’s Solid Motor Annual Rocket Technology Demonstrator (SMART Demo) is an annual effort to design, develop, build and test a new solid rocket motor and its associated tooling. Each year the design’s configuration and performance will be tailored to specific industry or warfighter needs. The 2024 SMART Demo motor, the second annual demonstration, is expected to further advance the successes from the 2023 configuration and demonstrate new technologies, including new additively manufactured components that reduce solid rocket motor costs and lead times, advanced tooling and technologies to accelerate innovation and enhance performance, and alternate suppliers that augment the supply base.
The 2024 SMART Demo motor was developed and manufactured in a period less than one year. Northrop Grumman claims that the 2024 SMART Demo motor uses processes that are cot effective, increase efficiency and add value for solid rocket customers.
Northrop Grumman has performed the insulation layup and composite case wind of its 2024 SMART Demo solid rocket motor case. The advanced equipment and hardware used to manufacture the case, called modular mandrel tooling, can be changed in shape and size to allow flexibility in both case length and diameter. The capability of the hardware to support multiple designs with varying dimensions enables quick implementation of new case designs or modifications to accommodate necessary changes during design and production phases.
The innovative case design and build, is scheduled to complete in August, will be structurally tested in September and complete static test in December as part of the company’s second annual demonstration.
Implementation of modular tooling, which is the first use of this technology on large SRMs of this scale, could reduce SRM development costs and lead times by more than 50% through eliminating the procurement of long lead tooling and enabling rapid progression from design to manufacturing.
Motor Specifications
| Propellant Mass (LBM) | 4200 |
| Burn Time (sec) | 40 |
| Max Vacuum Thrust (lbf) | 38,000 |
| Total Length (In) | 150 |
| Motor Diameter (In) | 30 |