Northrop Grumman Tests Second Advanced Solid Rocket Motor

Northrop Grumman has successfully completed the second static firing under its SMART Demo program, testing the BAMM!29 2.0 solid rocket motor just two months after a previous advanced motor test.

The 29-inch diameter Bombardment Attack Missile Motor (BAMM!29 2.0) follows the December 2025 static firing of the SMASH!22 motor. Both motors were designed, manufactured, and tested in less than one year, demonstrating a significantly accelerated propulsion development cycle.

BAMM!29 2.0 integrates a next-generation carbon fiber motor case alongside additively manufactured tooling and components. These design and manufacturing approaches are intended to reduce production time while improving structural performance and scalability for future missile and defense propulsion systems.

The SMART Demo (Solid Motor Advanced Rocket Technology Demonstration) program is funded by Northrop Grumman and is structured to deliberately accept higher technical risk. Each annual motor configuration is tailored to a specific operational or industry requirement, enabling rapid validation of emerging materials, manufacturing methods, and design concepts before transition into fielded systems.

According to the company, the program has now delivered three consecutive years of new solid rocket motor demonstrations, with the goal of shortening development timelines, lowering costs, and improving overall motor performance for defense applications.

This second successful firing further validates SMART Demo as a repeatable framework for fast-cycle solid rocket motor innovation, particularly relevant for responsive missile development and future propulsion modernization efforts.

www.northropgrumman.com