Northrop Grumman and the US Air Force have successfully conducted the first qualification test of the stage-two solid rocket motor for the LGM-35A Sentinel ICBM. The trial took place in a vacuum chamber at Arnold Engineering Development Complex, simulating high-altitude flight conditions.
This test evaluated both the stage-two motor and its Thrust Vector Control system, with engineers using digital models to predict performance and compare real-world data against simulations. This approach enhances design precision and accelerates development cycles.
The stage-two motor forms the central segment of the Sentinel’s three-stage configuration. The trial is part of a broader testing campaign aimed at validating specific system components and supporting design finalization.
As part of the Sentinel program, the US Air Force plans to replace 400 Minuteman III missiles with modern systems across three bases. The initiative also involves upgrading associated launch, communication, and support infrastructure while safely decommissioning the legacy systems.
