TRW and MSI Deliver ICBM Semi-Trailers to Transport Motors

    OGDEN, Utah & CINCINNATI, Ohio--April 23, 2001--Although planned for completion in March, TRW Inc. delivered the last of 16 new, specially rigged semi-trailers built to transport ICBM motors to Hill Air Force Base in January - three months ahead of schedule and under expected costs.
    TRW subcontractor Mobilized Systems Inc. (MSI) of Cincinnati, Ohio, designed and built the trailers in support of the ICBM Program.
    "As the ICBM Propulsion Replacement Program (PRP) ramped up, the Air Force needed additional trailers to move individual motors from Hill Air Force Base in Ogden, Utah, to nearby contractor facilities where propellant is replaced and minor rework conducted," said Dr. Robert Strickler, vice president and general manager, TRW Space & Missile Systems Division. "These are uniquely configured trailers with environmental controls that ensure the safe and efficient transport of these motors."
    As the ICBM prime contractor, TRW conducted an open-source selection competition for the Air Force in early 1999 and selected MSI in June 1999 to design the new trailers. "Although we budgeted more than $3.6 million for the effort, the final tally came in at $540,000 below budget and 3 months ahead of schedule," Strickler said.
    The Propulsion Replacement Program replaces the aging Minuteman III solid rocket motors with new, remanufactured motors in order to extend the life of the Minuteman III propulsion system to 2020.
    The PRP remanufacture process begins with the delivery of an aging Minuteman III ICBM booster, comprised of three solid rocket motor stages, to Hill Air Force Base where the booster is disassembled. After disassembly, each of the solid rocket motors is rolled into a trailer on a unique carriage system designed to protect them from road shock and vibration. An electric winch mounted on the forward end of the trailer pulls the motors into the trailer and carriage tie-downs are used to secure the motors. The trailers contain four independently operated hydraulic leveling legs to raise and level the trailer with facility maintenance and storage rails in order to roll the motors in or out. The trailers are fitted with removable bonnets to allow motors to be lifted directly on or off the rails if necessary.
    The Air Force will use the new trailers to support not only PRP but also the Rocket Systems Launch Program (which provides target launch and space launch vehicles to the DoD), and other Air Force programs.
    TRW's role as prime integration contractor for the U.S. Air Force is to ensure the readiness of the land-based ICBM force in support of national defense strategies.