The US Office of Naval Research has awarded SPARC Research a contract for work on the Missile Integration Science and Technology – Ramjet (MISTR) program.
The initial phase of the contract will span twelve months and includes significant follow-on potential, according to the company.
Although it is seen as a promising high-speed ramjet propulsion system with many tactical advantages, the solid fuel ramjet (SFRJ) has yet to be implemented in an operational weapon system, despite being in development for years.
The US Navy’s MISTR program has been structured to examine the barriers to adoption of the SFRJ and to develop a structured science and technology program aimed at elevating the state of readiness. The ultimate goal is to make the SFRJ a viable option for advanced warfighting capability.
“The MISTR program is well-timed to support emerging long-range supersonic and hypersonic missile propulsion needs for the warfighter. Almost across the board, user requirements seek to increase missile range and speed, and the SFRJ is one of the most attractive propulsion options available – if a number of technology challenges can be addressed,” SPARC Research’s president Dr. Patrick Hewitt said.
The MISTR program will benefit from a large database of prior SFRJ research activities. This history will be complimented with additional tasks under the contract as needed to enable the SFRJ to compete favorably for future propulsion requirements.
In addition to the navy contract, the company is working with Northrop Grumman on integrating solid fuel ramjet (SFRJ) technology with the US Army’s XM1155 Extended-Range Artillery Projectile (ERAP) program. Recent tests validated gun-launched survivability and performance predictions of the SFRJ tactical engine configuration, demonstrating the potential of extending projectile range to more than 100 kilometers.
