US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) signed a value contract with the space and defense technology company Voyager Technologies 16,5 млн доларів США. The contract will ensure the development of traction control systems, which will make the use of solid rockets universal for various types of weapons.
Thanks to new funding from DARPA, Voyager Technologies is moving into the second phase of the Burn n' Go program, which develops that, what the agency calls "integrated fuel control technology". This technology will allow solid rocket engines to have adjustable thrust already after production. Traditional solid propellant rocket engines are practically fixed once manufactured. Their cravings, burning duration and other characteristics are determined during production by the composition and geometry of the fuel inside the engine housing. Although this approach supports mass production, it limits flexibility, as different weapons or missions often require different engine designs.
The initiative to create the Burn n' Go program comes amid the Pentagon's efforts to expand missile production due to growing demand for air defense interceptors, long-range weapons and other ammunition. Voyager expanded into rocket propulsion last year with the acquisition of Estes Energetics, manufacturer of solid-fuel rocket engines and energy materials.
During the first phase of the program, Voyager developed a conceptual system architecture and preliminary technology designs. The second phase will continue 20 months and will focus on proof of concept and conducting "controlled fire tests of solid fuel engines under, close to real ones.
Source: https://spacenews.com