By Dean Murray
The U.S. military has shown off a ‘game-changing’ rocket – based on 1960s tech.
During a trial, a ramjet missile engine was launched from an unmanned aerial vehicle—a advancement aimed at enhancing both distance and velocity capabilities.
The
Naval Air Warfare Center Weapon Systems Division
(NAWCWD) successfully air-launched the Solid Fuel Integral Rocket Ramjet (SFIRR) from an unmanned vehicle for the first time, which they say is “one step toward modernising missile technology.”
An unmanned aerial target called the BQM-34, controlled via remote during its flight, launched the test missile above California’s Point Mugu Sea Range.
The SFIRR technology, which dates back to at least the beginning of the 1960s, is an uncomplicated air-breathing jet engine without any moving components. It utilizes the vehicle’s rapid forward speed to compress incoming air for ignition purposes, effectively generating thrust even when traveling faster than sound.
Abbey Horning, who leads the product development as the product director,
NAWCWD’s Advanced Concepts
The Prototyping and Experimentation office stated, “This isn’t merely a revisit of a past concept; instead, we’re enhancing and updating it to align with our current objectives.”
The successful incorporation confirms essential elements of our design and brings us nearer to providing an enhanced propulsion system that will offer combat personnel increased range and velocity.
SFIRR streamlines missile propulsion by removing the intricacies associated with liquid fuel ramjet systems. By doing so, it considerably decreases overall weight, enabling missiles to transport additional payloads and cover longer ranges with enhanced maneuverability.
Ephraim Washburn, who serves as the deputy director for energetics at NAWCWD, pointed out that technological progress happens across various sectors. He drew parallels between the enhancements of SFIRR and those seen in automobiles; initial models established a base framework, which subsequent innovations have continually refined and improved upon over time.
He stated, “Cars have been around since the beginning of the 1900s, yet continuous improvements have always been part of their evolution. Significant resources were dedicated to solid fuel ramjet technology during the ’70s and ’80s, and now we’re turning this into an advanced propulsion option for our current fleets.”
This represents a battle-ready capability. Our focus now is enhancing its reach, staying power, and precision aiming features.
Michael Smith, a NAWCWD spokesperson, added: “Like cars, rockets evolve: Navy’s ramjet test proves game-changing potential.”
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U.S. military demonstrates ‘transformational’ rocket
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