Orbital ATK demonstrates 3-D printed tactical solid rocket motor

Orbital ATK, a provider of aerospace and defense technologies in Dulles, Va., has completed a series of static test firings of prototype tactical solid rocket motors built with critical metal components fabricated by additive manufacturing. These tests marked the first industry demonstration of a 3-D printed complex rocket nozzle and closure assembly in a tactical class rocket motor, the company states.

The motor was developed in partnership with the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center (AMRDEC) at Redstone Arsenal, Ala. The prototypes featured a high-strength graphite epoxy composite case, a reduced-sensitivity minimum signature rocket propellant, and 3-D printed components. Assembly and testing of the prototype motors were conducted at Orbital ATK’s Tactical Propulsion and Ordnance facility in Rocket Center, W.Va.

The test firings successfully validated boost motor and component performance across the full operational temperature range from -26 degrees to +145 degrees F, closely matching pretest predictions and meeting all test objectives. The 3-D printed, single-piece, high-strength steel rocket nozzle and closure structure reduces parts count and manufacturing complexity of the current fielded system. In addition, the perforated rocket motor igniter housing and nozzle weather seal used in the prototype tests were also additively manufactured.