Raytheon Missiles & Defense has partnered with Aerojet Rocketdyne to develop the US Navy’s latest torpedo system.
Under the collaboration, Aerojet will deliver the afterbody, Stored Chemical Energy Propulsion System (SCEPS), and tail of the next-generation Compact Rapid Attack Weapon (CRAW).
CRAW can be configured into offensive and defensive versions to match target size, speed, and crew capacity.
Once completed, CRAW will be utilized by the US Navy to intercept submarines and against other torpedo threats.
Work for the program will be conducted at the company’s newly-launched facility of its sub-surface propulsion segment Coleman Aerospace in Orlando, Florida.
“In all domains – from deep sea to deep space – Aerojet Rocketdyne is committed to being a trusted partner to provide reliable, innovative propulsion technology to protect our service members and enable national defense,” Aerojet Rocketdyne CEO and President Eileen Drake said.
Aerojet Rocketdyne SCEPS
Launched in February, SCEPS is a lithium boiler that processes energetic chemical reactions to power a steam turbine.
SCEPS currently powers the US Navy MK 54 MOD 2 Advanced Lightweight Torpedoes deployed from surface ships, fixed-wing aircraft, and helicopters.
The integration contract for the propulsion system into the weapon was signed earlier this year for $63.2 million.
