Aerojet Rocketdyne Completes Large Class Second Stage Motor Test for the U.S. Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center

SACRAMENTO, Calif., June 25, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aerojet Rocketdyne, a GenCorp GY company, announced today that the second Large Class 92" diameter second stage solid rocket motor was successfully tested at sea level conditions at the Utah Test and Training Range at Hill Air Force Base (AFB), Utah. The first successful test at simulated altitude conditions was conducted on Feb.12, 2014 at Arnold Engineering Development Center, Tenn. This is the largest motor ever tested at either site.

The large class second stage was designed, fabricated and tested by Aerojet Rocketdyne for the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center at Hill AFB under a demonstration contract which required use of available technologies applicable to multiple future common strategic propulsion systems. With this work, Aerojet Rocketdyne and its subcontractors are helping to sustain and improve the solid rocket motor industrial base, a critical national need recognized by the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and a contract objective of the customer.

"This motor firing demonstrates the flexibility of the stage to perform in either a booster or upper stage mode," said Tyler Evans, Aerojet Rocketdyne vice president, Rocket Shop^SM Defense Advanced programs. "This test provides strategic options for the U.S. Air Force, other defense agencies and commercial customers."

Aerojet Rocketdyne is a world-recognized aerospace and defense leader providing propulsion and energetics to the space, missile defense and strategic systems, tactical systems and armaments areas, in support of domestic and international markets. GenCorp is a diversified company that provides innovative solutions that create value for its customers in the aerospace and defense, and real estate markets. Additional information about Aerojet Rocketdyne and GenCorp can be obtained by visiting the companies' websites at www.Rocket.com and www.GenCorp.com.