Northrop Grumman to Enhance US Army's Counter-Drone Missiles with Ramjet Technology
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- InterestingEngineering.com
Northrop Grumman has secured an $18.8 million contract to develop next-generation solid fuel ramjet propulsion for the U.S. Army's XRC missile prototypes. This initiative aims to improve the detection and engagement of unmanned aerial systems at extended ranges, addressing the evolving threats faced by military forces.
The integration of ramjet technology allows for a more efficient propulsion system, utilizing atmospheric oxygen as an oxidizer, which increases range and energy. This advancement is crucial for enhancing the Army's Maneuver Short Range Air Defense (M-SHORAD) system, which protects maneuvering forces from low-altitude aerial threats, including advanced unmanned systems.
As adversaries deploy sophisticated unmanned systems, the extended-range capabilities of the XRC program are vital for the Army's layered air defense strategy. Northrop Grumman's ongoing contributions to the counter-UAS ecosystem, including the development of the Raid Hunter air defense system, further strengthen the defense against diverse aerial threats.
Original report
US’ counter-drone missiles to become deadlier, get extended range with ramjet propulsion
InterestingEngineering.com · Prabhat Ranjan MishraThis briefing is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting and is provided for industry information and news discovery. The original report and source publication are credited and linked where applicable. RobotToday does not claim ownership of third-party source material.
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