GRADICOM (GRAndes DImensiones COMpuestos) are a series of Argentine rockets with, according to CITEDEF, the ultimate goal of developing a vector that can be used for military purposes as a missile (with a guidance and control system) or as a sounding rocket (in free trajectory) for civilian purposes. [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]
The GRADICOM I (PCX-900) was launched on December 17, 2009, from Serrezuela, Córdoba province, in order to certify the GRADICOM engine in flight. [6] [5] [2]
It was developed by the Center for Scientific and Technological Research for Defense (CITEDEF), under the direction of Vice Commodore Carlos Vásquez. [6]
The engine used solid fuel (HTPB, ammonium perchlorate, aluminum and other compounds), and had a diameter of 32 cm and a length of 2.5 m. [6] [5] The rocket had a total mass of 500 kg and a length of 4.45 m. [6]
GRADICOM II (PCX2) was launched on July 11, 2011, from CELPA (El Chamical), Argentine province of La Rioja. [7] [3] [4] [8]
Developed by CITEDEF, GRADICOM II was a two-stage vector based on the development of the GRADICOM I. [4] [9] The project involved 70 experts for a year and had a cost of 4 million pesos. The rocket weighed 933 kg and measured 7.7 meters. [4]
GRADICOM III was planned to be launched in 2015. [10] [7] [1] [11]