Lockheed Martin completes burst test of NGI second-stage motor case

Published Aug 5, 12:14 PM UTC

Lockheed Martin announced the successful completion of a critical burst test on the Next Generation Interceptor's (NGI) second-stage motor case. The test, conducted by filling the composite motor case with a carbon-fibre reinforced water vessel and pressurizing it beyond anticipated launch conditions, validated the component's structural integrity. This milestone brings the NGI program closer to its Critical Design Review planned for later this year. Lockheed Martin NGI vice president Christopher Jewell stated the test proves the advanced motor architecture can withstand harsh flight conditions. The company is on track to field NGI by 2030, with investments in digital design tools and new manufacturing facilities in Alabama. Lockheed Martin was named prime contractor by the Missile Defense Agency in April 2024. The interceptor is designed to enhance US missile defense against emerging long-range ballistic missile threats as part of the Ground-based Midcourse Defense system.