Global Security Newswire

Defense contractor Northrup Grumman said today is nearing completion of a project to replace the rocket motors for the U.S. Air Force's arsenal of Minuteman 3 ICBMs (see GSN, June 29).

The company as of July 23 had delivered 624 first-stage rocket motors under the Propulsion Replacement Program for the land-based nuclear missiles. Second- and third-stage motors are due to be fully delivered by the end of August.

The project involves replacement of old propellant and materials and parts that have become outdated or environmentally dangerous, according to a Northrop press release.

"The Propulsion Replacement Program is continuing to meet its objectives," company Vice President James Meyers said in the release. "We have delivered high-quality products while meeting cost objectives, and we continue to provide the Air Force and our nation with the elements necessary to sustain a vital element of the nation's strategic deterrent."

The motor replacement effort is one of eight Northrop-led programs aimed at modernizing the Minuteman missiles (Northrup Grumman/Globe Newswire, Aug. 7).