rocket motor to power the Centaur upper stage on the developmental Vulcan
launch vehicle. ULA made the selection after a competitive procurement process.
This partnership is a long-term agreement for Aerojet
Rocketdyne to provide upper stage propulsion for the next decade. As part of
this partnership, Aerojet Rocketdyne will provide RL10s and develop the
RL10C-X, the next generation of the RL10 family. The RL10C-X will increase the
use of additive manufacturing and introduce other advanced technologies to
improve the quality, reliability, affordability and performance.
produce customized items. This factor makes it ideal for the space industry,
where many items are produced on a limited basis. Aerojet Rocketdyne has been a
leader in developing 3D printing technologies. In particular, the company has
been working to add 3D printed materials to its RS-25 engine that will be used
on the Space Launch System (SLS). Aerojet will now apply the same techniques to
the RL10.
milestone that the industry is waiting for is selection of a core stage engine.
ULA is deciding between Aerojet’s AR1 and Blue Origin’s BE-4. The BE-4 is the
favored solution, but ULA continues to take its time in making a final decision. Without a core engine selected, major progress on Vulcan
development will continue to be slower than planned.
A military history enthusiast, Richard began at Forecast International as editor of the World Weapons Weekly newsletter. As the Internet grew in importance as a research tool, he helped design the company's Forecast Intelligence Center and currently coordinates the EMarket Alert newsletters for clients. Richard also manages social media efforts, including two new blogs: Defense & Security Monitor, covering defense systems and international issues, and Flight Plan, which focuses on commercial aviation and space systems. For over 30 years, Richard has authored the Defense & Aerospace Companies, Volume I (North America) and Volume II (International) services. The two books provide detailed data on major aerospace and defense contractors. He also edits the International Contractors service, a database that tracks all the contractors involved in the programs covered in the FI library. More recently he was appointed Manager, Information Services Group (ISG), a new unit that encompasses developing outbound content for both Forecast International and Military Periscope.
