Atlas V's Upgraded Block B Solids Provide Enhanced Performance and Reliability
SACRAMENTO, Calif., June 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Lockheed Martin and
Aerojet have successfully conducted the second test firing of the Atlas V
upgraded Block B Solid Rocket Booster (SRB). The test firing was performed May
24 at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. Aerojet's Block B SRB will be used on
Lockheed Martin's Atlas V launch vehicle, providing enhanced performance and
reliability. The Block A SRB, a previous version of the solid motor also
produced by Aerojet, was qualified in 2003 and has already flown on three
separate successful Atlas V missions for Lockheed Martin.
This was the second test of the Block B SRB at Aerojet's new SRB test
stand at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Edwards Air Force Base.
The first test was conducted April 1. The duration and thrust levels of the
SRB test fire matched well with pre-test expectations and were completed as
planned, with a burn duration of approximately 90 seconds, producing an
average thrust of over 250,000 lbs. Post-test examination of the motor,
insulation and nozzle revealed excellent internal performance and design
margins.
"The Block B design has clearly demonstrated superior thermal performance
and we are very pleased with the test results," said Jim Sponnick, vice
president of the Atlas Program at Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company. "Our
customers are also pleased with the upgraded design, and we are looking
forward to the performance and reliability that the Block B SRBs will provide
for our upcoming Atlas V missions."
Aerojet's robust Block B SRB design improves the motor's production
efficiency and predictability required to meet the needs of Atlas V government
and commercial missions. The Block B program was initiated by Lockheed Martin
in 2003 as part of a pre-planned product improvement effort, following the
successful completion of the Block A qualification. Since 2003, a total of
seven Aerojet Block A SRBs have flown successfully on all three Atlas V
missions that have utilized the added thrust of solid rocket boosters.
"We are very pleased with the results of the development effort and look
forward to flying this upgraded design. We are also very pleased with the
collaborative working relationships we have with Lockheed Martin, AFRL and the
government customer. These were key in the successful demonstration of the
modified booster and the new test stand," said Aerojet President Michael
Martin.
Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, headquartered near Denver, Colo.,
is one of the major operating units of Lockheed Martin Corporation. Space
Systems Company designs, develops, tests and manufactures a variety of
advanced technology systems for space and defense. Chief products include
space launch systems, defense systems, interplanetary and science spacecraft,
spacecraft for commercial and government customers, fleet ballistic missiles
and missile defense systems.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 130,000
people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design,
development, manufacture and integration of advanced technology systems,
products and services. The corporation reported 2004 sales of $35.5 billion.
Aerojet, a GenCorp (NYSE: GY) company, is a world-recognized aerospace and
defense leader principally serving the missile and space propulsion, and
defense and armaments markets. GenCorp is a leading technology-based
manufacturer of aerospace and defense products and systems with a real estate
business segment that includes activities related to the development, sale and
leasing of the Company's real estate assets.
For additional information, visit our websites:
http://www.lockheedmartin.com
http://www.Aerojet.com and http://www.GenCorp.com
SOURCE Aerojet
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Related links:
http://www.aerojet.com
CONTACT:
Joan Underwood of Lockheed Martin,
+1-303-971-7398, or joan.b.underwood@lmco.com; or Susan Bassett
of Aerojet, +1-916-355-2310, or susan.bassett@aerojet.com; or
Linda Cutler of GenCorp, +1-916-351-8650, or
linda.cutler@gencorp.com
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