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Thiokol Successfully Tests Technology Demonstration Motor
Brigham City, Utah--November 16, 2000--
Thiokol Propulsion, an Alcoa business, today successfully test fired a
92" diameter, 120,000 pound class demonstration motor with new
propellant, case, nozzle and control technologies. "The test is an
important milestone for Thiokol, the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense's
Science and Technology group, and the Air Force since it demonstrates a
major improvement in performance while simultaneously reducing the
cost," said Michael Blair, manager of Propulsion Technology Business
Development.
The test is the culmination of a 23-month, jointly funded program by the
Air Force Research Laboratory Propulsion Directorate and Thiokol to
demonstrate the Phase I Integrated High Payoff Rocket Propulsion
Technology (IHPRPT) goals. The IHPRPT program is a three-phase,
government and industry coordinated effort that began in 1996 with the
vision to double the propulsion capability by 2010. It has been cited as
a model of government and industry partnership in research and
development.
"The demonstrated technologies are ready to be transitioned into small
and large launch vehicles as stages or strap-on boosters, and defense
missiles. If all the technologies were incorporated into a small launch
vehicle, the cost-per-pound to orbit would be reduced by approximately
30 percent," explained Steven Glaittli, Phase I Program manager. Thiokol
and the Air Force are continuing to pursue solid propulsion improvement
with initiation of the Phase II Demonstrator Program scheduled for
completion in 2004.
Alcoa (AA-NYSE) is the world's leading producer of primary aluminum,
fabricated aluminum and alumina. Alcoa has over 300 operating locations
in 36 countries. Thiokol Propulsion, part of the Alcoa Industrial
Components group, is the leading manufacturer of solid propulsion
systems for space and defense.
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