Lockheed Martin has contracted Aerojet Rocketdyne to produce solid rocket motors that power the US Missile Defense Agency’s Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system.
The contract also requests the provision of Divert and Attitude Control Systems (DACS), a thruster mechanism that maintains THAAD kinetic kill warheads in position in the latter stage of target engagement.
The motors will be produced at Rocketdyne’s Advanced Manufacturing Facility in Huntsville, Alabama, and Solid Rocket Motor Center of Excellence in Camden, Arkansas.
Meanwhile, the DACS will be delivered from Los Angeles, California.
Sustaining THAAD Power Support
According to Rocketdyne, the Missile Defense Agency’s THAAD has a 100 percent success rate.
The weapon system has demonstrated 16 successful intercepts in all 16 military tests since the first THAAD production.
“For more than two decades, Aerojet Rocketdyne has powered THAAD, a missile defense system that protects our nation, our military service members and our allies,” Aerojet Rocketdyne President and CEO Eileen Drake stated.
“Precision in everything we do is paramount, and we continue our longstanding focus on producing the highest quality products for our customers in support of our nation’s critical defense needs.”