TRW-Built Gel Propulsion System Demonstrates Capabilities in Second Flight Test.

Business Editors

REDONDO BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 13, 2000

A TRW-built, energy-managed gel propulsion system demonstrated its capabilities during its second flight test conducted by the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command (AMCOM) at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida recently.

The smart tactical missile propulsion system, mated with a target seeker, was launched from a Bradley Fighting Vehicle. The missile successfully impacted near a target which the seeker's automatic target recognizer locked onto during the flight, demonstrating the propulsion system's reliability and predictable performance.

TRW and teammate Talley Defense Systems worked closely with AMCOM to develop the gel system under the Future Missile Technology Integration (FMTI) program. FMTI's objective has been to develop missile technology that can be integrated into future weapons.

"The gel propulsion system performed according to our expectations," said Gary Joseph, manager, TRW Propulsion Systems Center. "It demonstrated the reliability and capability that make our gel systems superior for ground-to-ground and air-to-ground missions. This system is an example of TRW's innovative propulsion technology, providing a discriminating advantage to our customers."

This test follows an initial flight test last year when the missile prototype, integrated with a gel propulsion system but no seeker, successfully flew 8.0 kilometers. During the 51-second flight, the motor fired five times with the missile hitting squarely in the target zone.

Gel propulsion systems are fueled with a viscous, semi-solid propellant combining the best characteristics of solid and liquid propellants. The gel system stores like solid rocket propellant but flows like a liquid when pressurized, enabling throttle and restart capability similar to conventional liquid propellants.

Gels are safer, however, because they do not leak, spill or explode. The gel propulsion system can control the energy to achieve long range while retaining optimal closed-end performance. Gel engines are capable of completely shutting off and restarting multiple times, allowing coast periods conventional solids cannot provide.

The Army recently awarded TRW a study contract to develop gel propulsion technology for Common Missile and modernized Hellfire program applications. The goal of the study contract is to mature the technology for insertion in product engineering, manufacturing and development.

Talley Defense Systems, based in Mesa, Ariz., has been teamed with TRW for almost two decades in developing gelled propellant and pressurization technologies. AMCOM has supported the development with manpower, testing services and facilities.

TRW is an industry leader in propulsion products and technology. The company provides propulsion components, engines, and systems for spacecraft attitude and velocity control, orbit insertion and maneuvering, and tactical missile boost and steering.

TRW Space & Electronics Group is an operating unit of TRW Inc., which provides advanced technology products and services for the global automotive, aerospace and information systems markets. TRW Inc.'s 1999 sales totaled approximately $17 billion. TRW's corporate Web site is: www.trw.com.