Northrop Grumman to accelerate extended-range C-UAS missile technology for US Army
Credit Northrop Grumman
Northrop Grumman plans to develop a next-generation air-breathing propulsion system with the aim of enhancing the range and air defence capabilities of the US Army's eXtended Range Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (XRC).
The Company has signed a contract worth $18.8 million with the US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation & Missile Centre to develop and produce solid fuel ramjet propulsion technology for integration into XRC missile prototypes, according to a statement by the Company.
"Unlike solid rocket motors, which utilize propellant containing fuel and a chemical oxidizer, solid fuel ramjets use atmospheric oxygen as the oxidizer for the fuel during flight, freeing internal volume for additional fuel."
"The result is a more efficient propulsion system that delivers greater range and energy, enabling engagement of highly maneuverable aerial threats at safer distances from protected forces."
It stated that the development will include a comprehensive ground and flight test campaign to validate the design and production processes.
The resulting design will support scalable, cost-effective manufacturing to meet urgent defence requirements quickly, it said.
The XRC programme focuses on enhancing the performance of the Army’s Maneuver Short Range Air Defense (M-SHORAD) system — designed to protect maneuvering forces from low-altitude aerial threats, it added.
