Aerojet Rocketdyne has successfully completed the qualification static fire test of the eSR-19, the advanced large solid rocket motor that will power the Missile Defense Agency’s Medium Range Ballistic Missile (MRBM).
The eSR-19 was designed and fabricated in Aerojet Rocketdyne’s Huntsville facility and cured in Camden, Arkansas.
The qualification test, conducted by the Air Force Research Laboratory and Aerojet Rocketdyne personnel at Edwards Air Force Base in California, paves the way for delivery of the flight test motors later this year.
“I applaud the dedicated efforts by teams across Aerojet Rocketdyne to meet this important milestone,” said Eileen Drake, president and CEO of Aerojet Rocketdyne. “Our steadfast workforce and advanced solid rocket motor propulsion remain crucial to helping protect our nation and our allies.”
The eSR-19 is a redesigned version of the SR-19 that currently serves as the second stage of the Minuteman III strategic missiles. The eSR-19 has a lighter, filament-wound composite case and other improvements. It will provide propulsion for both stages of MDA’s air-launched, medium-range target vehicle, developed by Aerojet Rocketdyne subsidiary Coleman Aerospace.
