Lockheed Martin has completed the burst test of the Next Generation Interceptor (NGI)‘s second-stage motor case, moving the US missile defense program closer to critical design review.
During the test, engineers inserted a reinforced water-filled vessel into the carbon fiber motor case and pressurized it beyond expected launch conditions.
According to Lockheed Martin, the structure withstood the required loads before failing, confirming it can survive the stresses of launch while delivering the thrust needed to carry the interceptor’s payload.
The result keeps the program on track for a critical design review later this year and supports its goal of fielding the Next Generation Interceptor by 2030.
“It proves our advanced motor architecture can withstand the harsh conditions of flight and still perform with the precision required to help protect the nation,” Lockheed Martin NGI vice president Christopher Jewell said.
Next Generation Interceptor
The NGI is the Missile Defense Agency’s future homeland missile defense interceptor designed to replace the aging Ground-Based Interceptors that currently protect the US against long-range ballistic missile threats.
The Missile Defense Agency awarded Lockheed Martin the contract to build the interceptor, which features a modular architecture, multiple kill vehicles, advanced discrimination capabilities, and digital engineering methods intended to improve reliability while reducing development time.
In June, the company opened its new Missile Assembly Building 5 facility in Courtland, Alabama. The site will manufacture the NGI and support the company’s broader effort to scale production for future homeland missile defense requirements.
