INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
The US Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division successfully air-launched a Solid Fuel Integral Rocket Ramjet (SFIRR) from an unmanned
vehicle for the first time, one step toward modernizing missile technology.The test also integrated the use of a fire control system on a
BQM-34 unmanned target vehicle for live firing, demonstrating advancements in high-speed, long-range weapon capabilities
Launching the missile from an unmanned vehicle can allow warfighters to safely engage targets from greater distances.As the Lead Prototype
Integrator, NAWCWD combined advanced propulsion, avionics and fire control technologies into the technology demonstrator in just 12 months
integration validates key aspects of our design and moves us closer to delivering an advanced propulsion system that will provide
propulsion by eliminating the complexity found in liquid fuel ramjet propulsion
This significantly reduces weight, allowing missiles to carry more payload and travel greater distances with increased
He compared SFIRR advancements to automotive improvements, where early designs laid a foundation, and ongoing developments continue to
NAWCWD collaborates across government, industry and academia to deliver propulsion innovations
Lessons learned from recent tests directly informed the development of a next-generation missile prototype aimed at enhancing speed, range
piloted during flight, releases a test missile over the Point Mugu Sea Range
The test advanced a missile design aimed at improving range and targeting for future Navy missions
Navy photo)Source: US Navy
