Northrop Grumman's SMART Demo Solid Rocket Motor Achieves 75% Faster Lead Times

Northrop Grumman Corporation NOC conducted a full-scale static test fire of a new solid rocket motor that was developed in less than a year as part of its Solid Motor Annual Rocket Technology Demonstrator (SMART Demo).

The SMART Demo successfully demonstrated several innovative technologies, alternate manufacturing materials and processes to reduce lead times by 75%.

SMART Demo shows the effective implementation of new solid rocket motor technologies, materials, and processes to reduce development time and costs and improve motor performance.

It also includes several advanced, long-lead tooling products as well as components of the solid rocket motor's nozzle structure, constructed with additive manufacturing techniques.

Northrop Grumman plans to execute SMART Demo's annually as the company continues to invest and advance in solid rocket motor development and propulsion.

SMART Demo expands and strengthens Northrop Grumman's supplier base by streamlining the test and qualification of new materials, processes and alternate suppliers who manufacture critical materials that use faster and more efficient processes.

The Falls Church, Virginia-based company is also developing five new motors concurrently for the first time. 

As the company anticipates significantly expanding and increasing motor production count by 2030, it is constructing 11 new buildings and modifying 16 more to support new and existing programs.

Read Next: Taiwan Semiconductor November Sales Slump 7.5% - Is Global Chip Market Still Not Out Of The Woods?

Price Action: NOC shares are trading lower by 0.30% to $476.19 on the last check Friday.