Northrop Grumman’s SMART Demo Achieves Second Successful Rocket Motor Firing

Northrop Grumman has achieved another milestone in rapid rocket motor development, successfully firing its second advanced solid rocket motor – the BAMM!29 2.0 – on January 29, 2026. This test follows a similar success in December 2025 with the SMASH!22 motor, demonstrating the company’s unprecedented pace in advanced propulsion systems. The 29-inch diameter BAMM!29 2.0 integrates next-generation carbon fiber and additively manufactured components, showcasing innovative design and materials. “The SMART Demo project offers a platform to advance solid rocket motor manufacturing,” highlighting Northrop Grumman’s commitment to reducing development time and costs while improving motor performance through its self-funded program. This third consecutive year of successful demonstrations signals a significant leap forward in tailoring rocket motor capabilities to specific industry and warfighter needs.

BAMM!29 2.0 and SMASH!22 Motor Testing Achieves Rapid Development

This achievement arrives less than two months after the successful testing of the SMASH!22 motor in December 2025, showcasing an unprecedented acceleration in propulsion system advancement. The BAMM!29 2.0, a 29-inch diameter motor, was designed and manufactured within a single year, highlighting the program’s focus on rapid prototyping and validation. The company is integrating novel materials like next-generation carbon fiber into the motor casing, alongside additively manufactured tooling and components, to push performance boundaries. “Each year, the motor configuration is tailored to a specific industry or warfighter need,” indicating a flexible approach to addressing evolving requirements. Hillary Walker, Northrop Grumman Media Contact, can be reached at hillary.walker@ngc.com.

Carbon Fiber Case Integrates Additive Manufacturing Technologies

The 29-inch diameter Bombardment Attack Missile Motor, or BAMM!29 2.0, was designed and manufactured within a remarkably compressed timeframe of less than one year under the SMART Demo program. This rapid prototyping capability is central to Northrop Grumman’s strategy for accelerating development and enhancing motor performance. The company is actively leveraging advanced manufacturing techniques to validate high-potential technologies for integration into existing propulsion systems. This latest test, achieved on January 29, 2026, builds upon the success of the SMASH!22 motor static test from December 2025, further solidifying the program’s momentum. Contact for media inquiries is Hillary Walker at 801-842-8789 or hillary.walker@ngc.com.