In the four-month phase 1 program, Aerojet will conduct analyses to evaluate solid rocket motor technologies, balancing cost and performance. During the second phase, the company will demonstrate advanced manufacturing processes by fabricating and testing a full-scale solid rocket upper stage motor.

The program builds on Aerojet's 50-year heritage supporting Minuteman, Peacekeeper and Small ICBM missile systems for the U.S. Air Force. Aerojet will draw on its recent program experience in materials and manufacturing process technology to produce an affordable, sustainable next generation missile propulsion system.

"The technologies Aerojet develops under this contract can improve the sustainability of current systems, as well as enhance the capability for our nation's future strategic systems," said Aerojet President Scott Neish.

Engineering and fabrication of the solid rocket motors will be performed at Aerojet's Sacramento facility. The motors will be tested in an altitude chamber at the Engineering Development Center at Arnold Air Force Base, Tenn.

Aerojet is an aerospace and defense company principally serving the missile and space propulsion, and armaments markets. GenCorp is a leading technology-based manufacturer of aerospace and defense products and systems with a real estate business segment that includes activities related to the entitlement, sale and leasing of the Company's real estate assets.

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