Raytheon, a core division of RTX, and Ursa Major have achieved a significant advancement in defense technology by successfully flight-testing a long-range solid rocket motor designed to enhance the U.S. Army’s strike capabilities. This achievement is part of an ongoing effort to develop high-efficiency, low-cost propulsion solutions for the military, with a special focus on precision missiles.
Solid rocket motor powers US defense
The proven rocket motor , which will be integrated into long-range missile systems, enables the U.S. Army and its allies to strike at greater range and speed than current technologies. Tom Laliberty, president of Raytheon Air and Ground Defense Systems, noted that this solid-propulsion technology ” serves an essential function of providing affordable precision fires, while increasing range, safety and magazine depth .”
Ursa Major, with its expertise in additive manufacturing and 3D printing technologies , played a crucial role in creating rocket engines that are more affordable and faster to produce. The company, which has completed nearly 300 static fire tests in 2023, uses innovative processes that enable more agile production of solid propulsion engines.
Ursa Major CEO Dan Jablonsky said its solutions “are scaling rocket engine production with the design flexibility needed to meet the demands of the U.S. military.”
Innovative technologies for the future of the military
The partnership between Raytheon and Ursa Major is not only focused on improving technological capabilities, but also on ensuring that the solutions are cost-effective. The rocket engines developed are designed to be significantly more affordable than traditional systems . In the next phase of the program, both companies will incorporate improvements in the manufacturing process, leading to further flight testing in 2025 and final qualification in 2026.
RTX, through its subsidiary Raytheon, invested in Ursa Major in 2023, recognizing the potential of its technological innovations to meet national security needs. This investment seeks to accelerate the development of rocket engines and respond to the growing demand for precision-guided munitions that are not only effective, but also affordable.
The future of smart ammunition
The collaboration between Raytheon and Ursa Major addresses an urgent need for the U.S. Army to upgrade its defense systems with smart munitions that offer increased range and accuracy at reduced cost.
With a focus on advanced manufacturing and innovative technologies, both companies are positioned to transform the way armed forces address defense challenges, quickly adapting to the changing demands of the battlefield.
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Source and photo: RTX
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