Aerojet Rocketdyne has successfully completed the qualification static fire test of the eSR-19, the advanced large solid rocket motor that will power the Missile Defense Agency’s (MDA) next generation Medium Range Ballistic Missile (MRBM) target used to test nation’s missile defense systems. The successful qualification test, conducted by Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and Aerojet Rocketdyne personnel at AFRL’s test facility at Edwards Air Force Base, California, paves the way for delivery of flight test motors later this year. This recent qualification test was the latest achievement in the evolution of Aerojet Rocketdyne’s legacy Large Solid Rocket Motor (LSRM) capabilities, which have included investments in a talented workforce and new modern LSRM facilities.
“I applaud the dedicated efforts by teams across Aerojet Rocketdyne to meet this important milestone. Our steadfast workforce and advanced solid rocket motor propulsion remain crucial to helping protect our nation and our allies,” said Eileen P. Drake, Aerojet Rocketdyne CEO and president.
The eSR-19 is a redesigned version of the SR-19 that currently serves as the second stage of the nation’s Minuteman III strategic missiles. Featuring a lighter, filament-wound composite case and other performance-enhancing improvements, the eSR-19 will provide the propulsion for both stages of MDA’s air-launched, medium-range target vehicle, developed by Aerojet Rocketdyne subsidiary Coleman Aerospace. The motor was designed and fabricated in Aerojet Rocketdyne facilities in Huntsville, Alabama, and cast and cured in Camden, Arkansas. The eSR-19 motors are later integrated into the target systems by the Coleman Aerospace team in Orlando, Florida.
Aerojet Rocketdyne is an American manufacturer of rocket, hypersonic, and electric propulsive systems for space, defense, civil and commercial applications. Headquartered in Sacramento, California, the company is owned by Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings. Aerojet Rocketdyne was formed in 2013 when Aerojet (then owned by GenCorp) and Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne were merged, following the latter’s acquisition by GenCorp from Pratt & Whitney. On April 27, 2015, the name of the holding company, GenCorp, was changed from GenCorp, Inc. to Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings, Inc. On December 18 2022, L3Harris Technologies announced an agreement to acquire Aerojet Rocketdyne for $4.7 billion. The deal was approved by Aerojet Rocketdyne shareholders on March 16, 2023.
