HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Aerojet Rocketdyne has been awarded a $63.2 million “other transaction authority” by the U.S. Navy to develop an advanced propulsion system for the Mk54 Mod 2 Advanced Lightweight Torpedo (ALWT), the company said in a release.
“We have developed mission-critical propulsion and power systems for the U.S. Navy for more than 60 years,” said Eileen Drake, Aerojet Rocketdyne’s president and CEO. “Aerojet Rocketdyne is a world-class developer of high-performance propulsion systems, and we look forward to applying our expertise to support the development of the Advanced Lightweight Torpedo.”
For the authority, Aerojet Rocketdyne will develop a prototype Stored Chemical Energy Propulsion System (SCEPS) power plant and afterbody/tailcone that ultimately would be integrated into the ALWT. The SCEPS improves the capabilities of the Mk54 torpedo.
The Mk54 Lightweight Torpedo, an anti-submarine warfare weapon, is used by U.S. surface ships, fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters.
