DARPA OpFires programme makes progress
Aerojet Rocketdyne has carried out a series of subscale propulsion-system test firings for the DARPA Operational Fires (OpFires) programme.
Under OpFires, DARPA is working to develop a ground-launched hypersonic missile for tactical use. The programme is developing a two-stage missile capable of engaging high-value, time-sensitive targets from stand-off range in contested environments.
The effort to date has advanced the technology for an upper stage featuring a tunable propulsion system, and the preliminary design review is now complete.
Aerojet Rocketdyne was awarded a $4.6 million Phase 1 contract in 2018 to design propulsion concepts and technologies for OpFires. The contract included an $8.8 million option for Phase 2 of the programme, which is expected to culminate in late 2020 with multiple test firings.
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