Integrated High Payoff Rocket Propulsion Technology Program and Tactical Missile Propulsion Status

摘要

The Integrated High Payoff Rocket Propulsion Technology Program (IHPRPT) is a structured Government (DoD with NASA) and Industry program to improve U.S. rocket boost and orbit transfer, spacecraft and tactical propulsion systems. The program is technology driven, goal oriented, and application focused. Integration of the technologies developed by the IHPRPT program is accomplished through key demonstrations. These demonstrators are used to verify compliance with goals. The achievement of the IHPRPT goals and the transition to operational systems provide significant payoff as well as a high return on investment. The IHPRPT program is being conducted as a fully coordinated, but not joint, effort. Each agency and Department of Defense component is responsible for funding and managing their respective portions of the effort. The effort is headed by the IHPRPT Steering Committee, which has representatives from each participating agency and service. Industry plays an active role in the program through an involvement in planning, participation at Steering Committee meetings, conducting of technology programs, identification of transition opportunities, advocacy of the program, and teaming. Tactical propulsion is one of the three major application areas. Technologies are being pursued for air, ground, surface and gun launched applications. Component and propulsion system demonstrators are planned for achieving IHPRPT Phase II and III goals. The Phase I air-launched demonstrator was completed successfully. The payoff of transitioning tactical propulsion technologies into the field after completion of any of the three IHPRPT phases is significant. Transitioning technology from IHPPPT has begun in all application areas.