FBM Tests Feature Low-Cost Technology

A Fleet Ballistic Missile Integrated Product Team recently conducted a static-test firing of a demonstration motor that used low-cost commercial technology.

The firing is the first in a series of tests and is indicative of gravitation toward commercial products to decrease costs of high-tech weapons systems.

The team, consisting of Lockheed Martin Missiles & Space, the U.S. Navy, Alliant Tech Systems and the Thiokol Corp., is experimenting with motor design changes that will reduce the number of parts, simplify manufacturing and be conducive to improvement in the commercial arena.

Engineers can design a prototype part on a computer and apply it to a virtual motor design before they manufacture it, saving the cost of manufacturing a prototype and then testing it.

The FBM team recently conducted its 82nd and 83rd successful launches of a D5 missile.