The company is under contract with the U.S. Navy to deliver proof of design for the SCEPS propulsion system, which includes the power plant, an integrated tail, and the torpedo’s afterbody assembly. “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, Missile Solutions, Aerojet Rocketdyne, L3Harris.
L3Harris’ Center of Excellence for Undersea Propulsion Manufacturing in Orlando, Florida, is the only facility in the U.S. with SCEPS manufacturing capability. This site plays a critical role in supporting the Navy’s next generation of torpedoes.
Alongside its Navy contracts, L3Harris is also independently funding the fabrication and testing of prototype SCEPS components. These efforts aim to further advance the development and innovation of the propulsion system.
SCEPS operates using a lithium boiler that generates heat to produce steam, which drives a turbine to propel the torpedo towards its target. The advanced system is expected to significantly enhance the U.S. Navy’s undersea warfare capabilities.
