Northrop Grumman Corporation has successfully completed a static test of its Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) rocket engine as a part of a quality verification test.
During the test, the engine was put through “extremely cold temperatures” to validate its design and make sure it meets all performance requirements.
The motor will be subjected to more qualification tests before initial fielding in 2023, the company said.
“With another successful rocket motor test complete, we are one step closer to providing the US Army with a next-generation, long-range fires capability,” vice president of missile products at Northrop Rebecca Torzone said. “Our new motor delivers enhanced performance that translates to increased weapon load out and standoff for our warfighter.”
‘Longest Flight to Date’
Northrop will also produce the missile propulsion system at its Allegany Ballistics Laboratory manufacturing facility in Rocket Center, West Virginia.
In October 2021, PrSM developer Lockheed Martin and the US Army conducted the fifth successful flight test for the PrSM, breaking the initial 250-mile (400-kilometer) distance record, the “longest flight to date.”
Last year, in September, the army awarded a $62 million contract to Lockheed for an early operational capability production.
Precision Strike Missile
The PrSM is a next-generation precision-strike, surface-to-surface weapon system. It will replace the Army Tactical Missile System, significantly extending the range and doubling the loadout by providing two missiles per launch pod.
The weapon is capable of destroying targets at over 500 kilometers (310 miles) and provides increased range, lethality, and missile loadout. It is intended to be compatible with both the MLRS M270 and HIMARS family of launchers.
It will play a crucial role in the military’s future deep-strike capability. Loaded with an IM energetic payload, it has a modular architecture for maximum affordability and flexibility.
