Gradicom

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.¹²³⁴⁵

The GRADICOM I (PCX-900) was launched on December 17, 2009, from Serrezuela, Córdoba province, in order to certify the GRADICOM engine in flight.⁶⁵²

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.⁶⁵ 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.⁷³⁴⁸

Developed by CITEDEF, GRADICOM II was a two-stage vector based on the development of the GRADICOM I.⁴⁹ The project involved 70 experts for a year and cost 4 million pesos. The rocket weighed 933 kg and measured 7.7 meters.⁴

GRADICOM III was planned to be launched in 2015.¹⁰⁷¹¹¹