LGM-35A Sentinel

In July 2016, the U.S. Air Force released a request for proposals for its Ground Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD) intercontinental ballistic missile weapon system program. The GBSD program is focused on developing and delivering an integrated weapon system that includes launch and command and control segments to replace the existing fleet of LGM-30 Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM).

L3Harris has a long history supporting strategic system boost and post-boost propulsion. The company was the original equipment manufacturer for boost stage two and three solid rocket motors (SRM) and the post-boost propulsion system on the Minuteman III program. L3Harris completed the most recent life extension effort for the Minuteman III post boost control system in 2014, and continues to provide sustaining engineering support to the U.S. Air Force.

L3Harris has supported recent strategic propulsion research and development activities for the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy that were focused on advancing technology and keeping sharp the engineering and manufacturing skills associated with designing large SRMs. L3Harris augmented this investment using its own discretionary resources to develop technology—such as new materials for cases and nozzles, new propellants and low-cost design approaches—with direct applicability to the GBSD program.

One example of how L3Harris has improved upon decades of solid rocket motor propulsion is the company’s recent announcement of a successful test of an advanced large solid rocket demonstration motor, whose design incorporates numerous advanced technologies and materials.