New SCEPS Power Plant and Afterbody/Tailcone to be Developed

Aerojet Rocketdyne has been awarded a $63.2 million (€57.4 million) Other Transaction Authority by the US Navy to develop an advanced propulsion system for the MK 54 MOD 2 Advanced Lightweight Torpedo (ALWT), the company announced on 24 February.

“We have developed mission-critical propulsion and power systems for the US Navy for more than 60 years […] Aerojet Rocketdyne is a world-class developer of high-performance propulsion systems and we look forward to applying our expertise to support the development of the Advanced Lightweight Torpedo,” commented company President and CEO, Eileen Drake.

Under this contract vehicle, Aerojet Rocketdyne will develop a prototype Stored Chemical Energy Propulsion System (SCEPS) power plant and afterbody/tailcone, which will ultimately be integrated into the ALWT. The SCEPS improves the capabilities of the MK 54 torpedo, an antisubmarine warfare weapon used by US surface ships, fixed-wing aircraft, and helicopters.