L3Harris Technologies has successfully tested a new power plant system for the Stored Chemical Energy Propulsion System (SCEPS) that will drive the U.S. Navy’s MK 54 MOD 2 Increment 2 Advanced Lightweight Torpedo, according to a company editorial published on 1 August.
The power plant system, developed by Aerojet Rocketdyne, a subsidiary of L3Harris, is a core component of the SCEPS propulsion architecture.
Its successful test is described as a key milestone ahead of design verification testing of the full integrated torpedo system, expected later this year.
“The power plant system is at the very heart of the propulsion system that will power the Navy’s MK 54 MOD 2 torpedo,” said Scott Alexander, President of Missile Solutions at Aerojet Rocketdyne. “We are pleased with the performance of the system during these tests and look forward to completing design verification testing of the entire afterbody later this year.”
L3Harris is under contract to deliver proof of design for the complete propulsion system, including the power plant, tail, and afterbody. The propulsion system is built at the company’s Center of Excellence for Undersea Propulsion Manufacturing in Orlando, Florida, which houses the only SCEPS production capability in the U.S. industrial base.
SCEPS uses a lithium boiler to produce steam that drives a turbine, offering higher performance than traditional propulsion systems. While the Navy contract drives the primary programme, L3Harris has also been independently funding development and testing of additional SCEPS components.
The MK 54 MOD 2 torpedo is part of the U.S. Navy’s next generation of undersea weapons. The new propulsion system is hoped to deliver enhanced speed, range, and manoeuvrability against increasingly sophisticated threats.
“SCEPS uses a Lithium boiler to produce steam that drives a turbine”.
“Steampunk” is alive and well in the Colonies !
It will go well with their Anarcho-capitalism style of governance and proclivity to personal assault weapons.
😀
An interesting idea.
Sea Water plus lithium metal = a lot of energy. A level chemistry tells you that.
The issue are more around safety – how do you control it so that if moisture does get in while ‘on the rack’ – in the tube is easier as you just get rid of it out of the tube.
If Seawater gets to one on a rack, I guess they are already in trouble.
“Up to their necks in it”
Not necessarily so.
Things drip and spray small amounts of water at very high pressure.
Torpedoes are opened for maintenance…..
These are mostly launched by the P8 and surface ships. I don’t think anyone does a sub launch. They’re used to hazardous materials, and the risk is low.
@ Submitten
True but they also go on the end of ASROC type systems.
There are explosive hazards that are mitigated by inert materials being used. Rocket fuel hazards by flooding or denunciation.
What are the rational control measures for this hazard? Ceramic containment I would guess…..
Submitten.
Am I remembering this very issue causing the Kursk to Implode ? (obviously not Lithium but some other highly unstable substance).
Maybe the “Sub” Torpedo handlers should wear “Mittens”.