Graphite-Epoxy Motor

Propulsion Products Catalog This document does not contain technical data as defined in the ITAR, 22 CFR 120.10; or technology as defined under EAR (15 CFR 730-774). 29 GEM MOTOR SERIES RELIABLE, LOW-COST BOOSTERS The Graphite Epoxy Motor (GEM) series originated with the GEM 40 motor. Northrop Grumman developed the GEM 40 for the Delta II launch vehicle to support both commercial and government launches for The Boeing Company and other users. GEM 40 boosters increased the launch capability of the Delta II. GEMs have demonstrated through qualification and flight that they are the most reliable, lowest cost boosters available. Both ground- and air-start versions with a canted fixed nozzle are available for strap-on applications. In addition, a version with a straight vectorable nozzle has been added for in-line applications. The GEM 46 is a larger derivative of the highly reliable GEM 40. The second-generation GEM motor has increased length, diameter, and optional vectorable nozzles. This motor has been used on Delta III, and subsequently, Delta II Heavy launch vehicles. GEM 60 motors were developed commercially for the Delta IV Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle. This third-generation 70-foot GEM motor provides auxiliary lift-off capability for the Delta IV Medium-Plus (M+) vehicle. It is available in both fixed and vectorable nozzle configurations. GEM 63 motors were developed commercially with configurations planned for use on United Launch Alliance’s Atlas V and Vulcan launch vehicles. These fourth-generation GEMs capitalize on common designs and materials and low-cost manufacturing processes developed during work on previous GEM, Orion, and CASTOR motors. State-of-the-art automation, robotics, commercial practices, and process controls are used to produce GEMs. Cases are filament wound by computer-controlled winding machines using high-strength graphite fiber and durable epoxy resin. Northrop Grumman is the largest producer of filament wound rocket motors in the world. Critical processes (e.g., case bond application, propellant mixing, motor casting) are performed using an extensive network of computerized and robotic facilities ensuring accurate control of manufacturing. The delivered products are consistent, reliable, repeatable, high quality, competitively priced, and delivered on time. The GEM family of motors includes: • GEM 40, multiple configurations • GEM 46, multiple configurations • GEM 60, multiple configurations • GEM 63, multiple configurations Inquiries regarding our GEM motor products should be directed to our business development representatives at [email protected]. The 40-inch-diameter graphite epoxy motor (GEM 40) is a strap- on booster system developed to provide thrust augmentation for the Delta II launch vehicle. The GEM 40 features an IM7/55A graphite composite motor case, an aramid-filled EPDM insulator, and a 10-degree canted, fixed nozzle assembly. For the Delta II nine-motor configuration, six motors are ignited on the ground and three in the air. The air-start (altitude-ignited) GEM 40 motor configuration has a lengthened nozzle exit cone with higher expansion ratio, exit-plane-mounted nozzle closure system that is ejected at air-start motor ignition, and a different external insulation scheme. The GEM 40 has flown on Delta II vehicles since 1991. GEM 40 strap-on boosters began launching Delta II vehicles in 1990, with final flight in September 2018, ending a successful 28-year, 1,003-motor era. 36 Approved for Public Release OSR No. 16-S-1432; Dated 05 April 2016 This document does not contain technical data as defined in the ITAR, 22 CFR 120.10; or technology as defined under EAR (15 CFR 730-774) For more information, contact: [email protected] northropgumman.com GEM 60 (VECTORABLE) VECTORABLE NOZZLE The 60-inch-diameter graphite epoxy motor (GEM 60) is a strap- on booster system developed to increase the payload-to-orbit capability of the Delta IV Medium-Plus (M+) launch vehicles. Two and four stra