The July 28 test demonstrated the increased performance, operating flexibility and durability of the flightweight TDACS in a simulated SM-3 mission scenario.
Review of initial data from the test indicates that all primary and secondary test objectives were achieved.
Raytheon Missile Systems, the U.S. Navy and the Missile Defense Agency are considering use of Aerojet's TDACS to laterally maneuver the Navy's SM-3 Kinetic Warhead (KW) for the intercept and destruction of enemy ballistic missiles.
Four of the 10 proportional TDACS pintle thrusters move the KW sideways while the six other thrusters maintain the KW seeker's angular alignment and view of the target.
On-board electronic controls and software actively manage the solid-propellant gas generator's thrust level by throttling the combustion pressure up and down, similar to an automobile's gas-pedal, to alternate between high thrust and coast periods.
"The Aerojet team has made sound progress for the Aegis BMD Program and is ready to transition the TDACS to the qualification program phase in preparation for eventual SM-3 missile flight tests," said Aerojet President Michael Martin.
Aerojet is under contract with Raytheon Missile Systems (Tucson, Ariz.), and the U.S. Army's Space and Missile Defense Command (Huntsville, Ala.) to demonstrate the solid propellant TDACS for the sea-based SM-3 interceptor missile.
Aerojet's TDACS Integrated Product Team conducted the hot fire test as the culminating event of a three-year program progressing from a clean sheet of paper through extensive design, modeling, analysis and hot fire testing.
This test is the first in the industry to successfully demonstrate high-thrust operation in the crucial initial divert and endgame periods for the SM-3 missile application.
Aerojet TDACS Program Director Larry West said, "Aerojet and Raytheon have accomplished a major paradigm shift in divert propulsion technology."
"The TDACS was designed to meet the same interface specifications as the existing solid DACS, making it a "drop in" replacement, while adding controllable, throttling features to the system that increase kinetic warhead performance and operating flexibility while retaining solid propellant for the warfighter's safety."