Raytheon and Aerojet Testing Key Technology for Airborne Missile Defense

Released on Monday, May 14, 2007

 

TUCSON, Ariz., May 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) has

demonstrated a key propulsion component of the Network Centric Airborne

Defense Element (NCADE) program.

NCADE is a missile defense system that will affordably leverage

operational tactical missile technologies and infrastructure.

As part of the NCADE risk-reduction program, Raytheon and partner

Aerojet tested an advanced hydroxylammonium nitrate thruster that provided

more than 150 pounds of thrust for longer than 25 seconds. This test, which

took place at the Aerojet facility in Redmond, Wash., demonstrated what the

Missile Defense Agency calls "knowledge points."

The thruster is an advanced monopropellant that provides increased

performance and high-density packaging that will result in lighter, higher-

velocity interceptors. Hydroxylammonium nitrate is also less toxic and

easier to handle than other propellants. This propulsion technology could

eventually enable safe shipboard operation.

Raytheon also fabricated two prototype NCADE seekers. The seekers have

undergone characterization testing in a high-fidelity simulator

demonstrating their ability to track a booster in the presence of a bright

rocket plume.

"Network Centric Airborne Defense Element fills a critical niche in the

Ballistic Missile Defense system and provides a revolutionary, low-cost

approach to interceptor development and acquisition cost," said Mike Booen,

Raytheon Missile Systems vice president of Advanced Missile Defense.

NCADE is an air-launched weapon system designed to engage short- and

medium-range ballistic missiles in the boost, ascent or terminal flight

phases.

The NCADE interceptor leverages many proven components and

technologies, including the aerodynamic design, aircraft interface and

flight control system of Raytheon's Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air

Missile. The commonality with AMRAAM enables NCADE to launch from a wide

variety of aircraft. NCADE's small size enables it to be carried by and

launched from smaller unmanned aerial vehicles, providing a potential

operational advantage.

Network Centric Airborne Defense Element also leverages proven imaging

infrared seeker components from existing Raytheon production programs. This

enables a potentially rapid development and fielding path.

 

Source: Raytheon, Aerojet Test New Propulsion System for Air-Launched Missile Defense System