Northrop Grumman modernises US ICBM system
Northrop Grumman begins the insulation wind process for the first-stage solid rocket motor, applying insulation from right to left. (Photo: Northrop Grumman)
Northrop Grumman has achieved a key manufacturing milestone in the process of modernising the US’ ICBM systems.
Northrop Grumman has achieved a key manufacturing milestone in August as it successfully performed the first insulation and case wind of the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD) first-stage solid rocket motor.
They performed the insulation wind around a plaster tooling mandrel. The insulation protects the outer casing of the motor from extreme temperatures caused by burning propellant inside the motor.
Following insulation is the case wind process, which applies composite material around the insulation to form the outer structure, or shell, of the motor.
Northrop Grumman has begun a similar insulation and case wind process for the second-stage motor, as the programme team continues on track to the Air Force GBSD schedule.
The first-stage motor will begin testing to validate tooling and manufacturing processes as well as pressure-testing to ensure structural design integrity.
The new GBSD missile will be a three-stage solid rocket motor, Northrop Grumman is building the first and second stage.
Northrop Grumman was awarded the GBSD engineering and manufacturing development contract in September 2020 to begin modernising the nation’s ageing intercontinental ballistic missile system.
More from Air Warfare
-
![Lockheed delivers first F-16 Block 70 aircraft to Bulgaria]()
Lockheed delivers first F-16 Block 70 aircraft to Bulgaria
The delivery of this F-16 Block 70 aircraft marks a first step in the Bulgarian air force’s modernisation efforts and the replacement of its MiG-29 aircraft.
-
![UAE accepts first batch of F4 Rafale fighter jets]()
UAE accepts first batch of F4 Rafale fighter jets
The aircraft were accepted during a ceremony on the 29 January and will stay at Dassault’s Flight Test Centre, with deliveries scheduled for the end of 2026.
-
![Turkey’s Baykar strengthens European links with Leonardo and Piaggio Aerospace deals]()
Turkey’s Baykar strengthens European links with Leonardo and Piaggio Aerospace deals
Recent collaborations with Italian aerospace and defence firms have bolstered Baykar’s links throughout Europe and strengthened its credibility as an important player on the continental stage.
-
![Japan selects T-6 Texan II for pilot training]()
Japan selects T-6 Texan II for pilot training
The T-6 Texan II aircraft will replace the Fuji/Subaru T-7 aircraft in the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF).
-
![Embraer “confident” as C-390 and A-29 production ramps up in 2025]()
Embraer “confident” as C-390 and A-29 production ramps up in 2025
Embraer chief commercial officer Frederico Lemos said that it was aiming to produce more than 10 of its C-390 multi-mission aircraft a year by 2030, with some A-29 aircraft already allocated and ready for delivery.
