Northrop Grumman Achieves Milestone in Rapid Development with Successful Test of New Bombardment Missile Motor

Northrop Grumman announced the successful testing of its Bombardment Attack Missile Motor 29! 2.0, or BAMM29! 2.0, solid rocket motor at its Promontory, Utah facility. The testing marks a significant milestone for the aerospace and defense contractor, reflecting an innovative approach to rapid development and manufacturing in the industry.

The BAMM29! 2.0 was developed in an expedited timeframe of just eight months, a stark contrast to the typical 18 to 24 months required for conventional development programs. This advancement comes as part of Northrop Grumman’s 2025 Solid Motor Annual Rocket Technology (SMART) initiative, which has proven capable of moving from initial designs to manufacturing readiness in a mere six months over its four-year lifespan.

Alongside BAMM29! 2.0, the Solid Motor Adaptable Scalable Half Time/Cost !22 (SMASH!22) was developed within the same year as part of the SMART program. The SMASH!22 motor was tested successfully in December 2025, demonstrating multiple new technologies alongside established manufacturing methods.

Northrop Grumman’s SMART program was instituted to facilitate faster and more technically ambitious solid rocket motor developments compared to traditional methods, which can span up to three years. The BAMM29! 2.0 is a larger motor than its SMASH!22 counterpart, boasting a 29-inch diameter and an operational thrust of up to 151,200 Newtons (34,000 pounds-force).

The recent test, conducted on January 29, 2026, initially faced a delay due to data collection system issues but proceeded after a successful dry run. The motor ultimately performed for the intended 35 seconds, successfully completing its full-duration burn. Preliminary analyses indicate that the performance data aligns well with expectations, though further evaluation will follow in the coming weeks.

Key technological advancements in the BAMM29! 2.0 motor include a lightweight nozzle, an innovative elastomer environmental seal, and additively manufactured components. Noteworthy is the use of modular tooling aimed at reducing lead time while enhancing performance, a significant improvement over conventional manufacturing timelines.

The BAMM29! 2.0 isn’t intended to replace existing systems but could inspire future innovations in missile technology, especially for air, ground, and hypersonic missions. The program has also explored alternative suppliers for critical materials in its development process.

Northrop Grumman is now evaluating options for the 2026 SMART campaign, with an aim to finalize a motor configuration that meets particular customer requirements. The company has heavily invested in its production facilities over recent years, significantly boosting capacity and capability for future missile development.

The ongoing advancements at Northrop Grumman, particularly through initiatives like SMART, position the company to adapt to evolving demands in the defense sector while reducing development timelines and manufacturing costs.