M51 SOLID ROCKET MOTOR CASING PASSES PROOF TEST WITH FLYING COLORS

The D511 demonstration model of the solid rocket motor casing for the first stage of the next-generation M51 sub-launched ballistic missile, built by EADS LAUNCH VEHICLES, has successfully undergone proof pressure testing.

The proof pressure test, which verifies the structure's resistance to internal pressure *, was carried out by EADS LAUNCH VEHICLES under the terms of a contract awarded by Snecma Moteurs. It is a critical first step in the validation of the wound-fibre structures of the M51, and for missile development in general. Both the French defence procurement agency DGA (Délégation Générale pour l'Armement) and the various industrial partners in the program were eagerly awaiting the results of this test.

The D511 demonstrator, made of wound carbon fibre and heat cured, is the first full-scale structural model representing the actual casings for solid rocket motors on the M51 first stage. Measuring over 2 meters in diameter and 6 meters tall, it is the largest composite solid rocket motor structure ever built in Europe.

EADS LAUINCH VEHICLES is the industrial prime contractor for the M51 submarine-launched missile, as well as the lead stage developer.G2P (Snecma Moteurs - SNPE) is prime contractor for the propulsion. The M51 will enter service on France's new-generation nuclear-powered submarines in 2008.

EADS LAUNCH VEHICLES, the leading European manufacturer of launch vehicles and ballistic missiles, designs and develops Ariane launchers, orbital infrastructures, the ATV cargo supply vessel for the International Space Station, France's nuclear deterrent force missiles and a range of space equipment. It has 3,300 employees in France.

• A test using hydraulic pumps and jacks to pump thousands of liters of water into the casing, thereby simulating the internal pressure loads the missile will undergo during combustion. It is used on all SRM casings, including production models. The test was performed on the brand-new test rig designed for the huge M51, located at EADS LAUNCH VEHICLES' Aquitaine plant.