Pentagon Boosts Solid Rocket Motor Production with New Contracts

The Pentagon announced on September 26, 2023, the award of three significant contracts to enhance the production capacity of solid rocket motors (SRMs) in the United States. This initiative responds to concerns about vulnerabilities in the defense industrial base and the increasing demand for these critical components amid ongoing military operations.

One notable contract, valued at $191.3 million, was awarded to X-Bow Launch Systems, based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This four-year agreement focuses on “advanced integrated motor manufacturing.” The contract, issued by the Air Force Test Center, entails the design, construction, and demonstration of capabilities for advanced solid rocket motor propellant manufacturing. The Air Force Test Center oversees the Air Force Research Laboratory Rocket Propulsion Division, which is crucial for testing and developing SRMs for various military systems.

X-Bow, which aims to position itself as a competitor to established suppliers such as Northrop Grumman and L3Harris, has received strategic investment from Lockheed Martin. Founded in 2016, the company utilizes proprietary 3D-printing technologies for manufacturing motors and propellants. It has collaborated with the Air Force Research Laboratory on additive manufacturing technologies for solid propellants, demonstrating innovation in this vital sector.

In addition to the X-Bow contract, the Pentagon announced two awards under the Defense Production Act (DPA) Title III, totaling $33.5 million, aimed at further expanding SRM production capacity. Americarb received $12.6 million to develop a specialized material for rocket nozzle insulation, while General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems was awarded $20.9 million to enhance nozzle production and become a new supplier of composite rocket nozzles and insulators.

Michael Duffey, the Undersecretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment, emphasized the importance of these contracts by stating, “To meet the evolving threats of tomorrow, we must expand our capacity to produce the critical subcomponents that underpin our munitions systems.” He added, “By advancing resiliency in the solid rocket motor supply chain, we’re not only strengthening our defense industrial base but also helping to ensure a reliable and scalable supply of the materials and components crucial to our national security.”

The Pentagon highlighted that the DPA was invoked due to the constrained and fragile nature of the SRM supply chain. Solid rocket motors are essential propulsion units used in tactical missiles, hypersonic weapons, and space-launch boosters. Demand for these systems has surged, driven by ongoing military activities in Ukraine and the Middle East, underscoring the strategic significance of enhancing production capabilities.