Northrop Grumman opens hypersonic propulsion systems manufacturing facility

Northrop Grumman Corp. has opened a Hypersonics Capability Center (HCC) in Elkton, Maryland, to produce advanced propulsion solutions that can power hypersonic missiles beyond Mach 5. The HCC leverages state of the art metal manufacturing processes and precision non-destructive test technologies to rapidly produce complex assemblies with unmatched quality. These new offerings will also drive opportunities across the region for additional technically skilled high-wage jobs, engineers, and other professional roles at the Elkton facility.

• A factory-of-the-future, the HCC establishes the infrastructure and capacity necessary to cost-effectively produce hypersonic propulsion at scale supporting the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DOD) growing demands for long range, rapid response weapons.
• The HCC is the first U.S. facility designed specifically for large-scale manufacturing of air-breathing propulsion which includes ramjet and scramjet propulsion.
• The facility will support the U.S. Air Force’s Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile development and production and has capacity to support future hypersonic systems work from across the DOD.
• The HCC features state-of-the-art production technology, implements digital engineering, and consolidates engine manufacturing processes, supporting cost reduction and increased production.

Jim Kalberer, vice president, missile products, Northrop Grumman, says, “This is a pivotal moment for hypersonics weapons; we have moved beyond building and demonstrating propulsion prototypes to large-scale manufacturing. Our proactive investment in this facility establishes the supply chain and optimizes manufacturing processes to produce hypersonic systems affordably at scale.”

Northrop Grumman’s hypersonic propulsion technology is part of the company’s broad offerings in advanced weapons, including armaments, components, missiles, electronics, and interceptors.

The company is also investing in a new missile integration facility at Allegany Ballistics Laboratory in West Virginia for production of advanced defense and strike missiles, as well as expanding and optimizing solid rocket motor production at its facility in Promontory, Utah.