GAINESVILLE, Va. --- Atlantic Research Corporation (ARC), a unit of Sequa Corporation, successfully conducted a ground test of an advanced high-energy Variable Flow Ducted Rocket (VFDR).
This test was conducted in support of ARC's activities to reduce risk for future U.S. Government development programs aimed at higher-speed, longer-range missiles to counter time-critical enemy targets.
The VFDR engine test used ARC's high-energy, reduced-smoke propellant in a two-inlet air-launched ducted rocket configuration. A flight condition of Mach 3.25 at 30,000ft was simulated. Combustion efficiency exceeded past experience with less energetic propellant approaches, validating the predicted increase in delivered energy.
Confirming performance at altitude allows future VFDR engine designs that are lighter and higher performance, as compared to Systems using previous generation technology. The higher performance is achieved without any increase in sensitivity, preserving the relatively benign Insensitive Munitions response inherent in VFDR gas generator subSystems.
The test was conducted at ARC's Airbreathing Propulsion Test facility in Gainesville, VA. Over the last twenty years ARC has conducted over 1,500 airbreathing propulsion tests with its three dedicated airbreathing test cells, including sophisticated boost-to-ramjet-sustain transition tests.
ARC has been the U. S. leader in VFDR airbreathing propulsion. ARC was the lead contractor, system integrator and booster/combustor developer for the U. S. Air Force's AMRAAM-VFDR program that evolved VFDR propulsion technology to flight-test readiness. ARC also was the U. S. industry leader for cooperative ducted rocket ramjet development programs with France and Germany.
ARC is the only U.S. contractor to continuously maintain its ramjet facilities and critical technical skills over the last 20 years. Today ARC is performing the Supersonic Sea Skimming Target (SSST) Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) program, along with the Navy's Solid Fuel Ramjet and the Air Force's Advanced Rocket Combined Cycle technology advancement programs.
ARC is a leading developer and producer of solid propellant rocket motors, liquid and electric propulsion Systems for satellite station keeping out in space, gas generators, air breathing engines, and advanced composite materials.
ARC also produces automotive air bag inflators and supplies energetic components for the air bags from its high capacity propulsion plant in Camden, Arkansas.
