Navy successfully tests hypersonic rocket motor

The Navy has conducted a successful test of the First Stage Solid Rocket Motor, the service announced Thursday.

The service conducted the motor test Thursday in Promontory, Utah as part of the development of the Navy's Conventional Prompt Strike offensive hypersonic strike capability and the Army's Long Range Hypersonic Weapon, according to the Navy's press release.

The test was the first live-fire test of the First Stage Solid Rocket Motor, which will be combined with a Common Hypersonic Glide Body to create a hypersonic missile. The Common Hypersonic Glide Body was successfully tested in March 2020.

Northrop Grumman developed the motor, and Lockheed Martin is the prime weapon systems integrator, according to a Lockheed Martin press release.

In the press release, Lockheed said the motor fired for the full trial duration and performed within anticipated ranges.

"This live-fire event is a major milestone on the path to providing hypersonic strike capability to the U.S. Navy and U.S. Army warfighters," Steve Layne, Lockheed Martin's program director of conventional strike programs, said in the press release.

The next Navy and Army joint flight test is scheduled for fiscal year 2022.