Photo: The CER-160TR rocket launch (left), and the A1B anti ballistic and hypersonic missile strategic interceptor (right).
On July 3, 2024, ARCA performed two rocket launches from Cape Midia Air Force Base, as part of the military homologation process for the 160mm artillery target rocket program.
The two CER-160TR rocket launches validated:
The rocket vehicle configuration;
Launch canister configuration;
Configuration of the rocket's fueling and pressurization systems;
The system's ability to fire at angles of less than 90 degrees, which was a first for ARCA;
Launch procedure performed by a four-person team;
Complete re-use of the launch system, including the launch canister and fuel transfer tank;
Capability of the system to perform a sequence of two firings within two hours;
Safe operation of the system, both for launch personnel and for air, sea and land space;
Vehicle's flight performances;
Flight simulation model confirmation with actual flight data.
On top of these ARCA also aimed to gather highly valuable data for the A1 strategic anti-ballistic and hypersonic missile interceptor.
The CER-160TR rocket uses a similar configuration as the A1 in regard to the propellant tank, feed system and the rocket engine.
Regularly, the CER-160TR uses a mixture of hydrogen peroxide 70% and water 30%. However, for these launches, the rocket used a mixture of 46% hydrogen peroxide and water 54%, similarly to the A1.
The team obtained the flight data, confirming the simulation numbers for the interception time, acceleration, warhead deployment, aerodynamic and spin stabilisation, etc
The first A1 launch is set for August 2024.
The fourth and fifth launches from the homologation process of the CER-160TR rockets are scheduled for September 2024, while the first A1 launch is scheduled for August 2024.
The CER-160TR rocket costs 19,900 Euro/unit and a civilian version it is also commercially available.
The A1 interceptor costs 699,900 Euro/unit.
Both the A1 and CER-160TR military rocket programs are developed from private sources.
The development of the CER-160TR and A1 products are in line with ARCA's policy of producing exclusively defensive, non-lethal weapons, with the proceeds being allocated to the development of the civilian AMi Exploration and EcoRocket programs.
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