L3Harris subsidiary Aerojet Rocketdyne will continue upgrading its propulsion manufacturing to support the US Army’s Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) program.
It supports the US Department of Defense’s contract with Lockheed Martin to boost GMLRS production for domestic and international demands.
Rocketdyne has delivered over 35,000 steel and composite-cased motors for the US Army’s GMLRS efforts to date.
In 2023, the company said it will employ additional equipment and automated processes, as well as enhance X-ray technology to further boost the production efficiency of the rocket system’s propulsion.
Aerojet Rocketdyne also announced an agreement with the US Office of Manufacturing Capability Expansion and Investment Prioritization last year to revamp and expand the firm’s solid rocket motor production sites in Alabama, Arkansas, and Virginia.
“Aerojet Rocketdyne’s proven propulsion has powered the GMLRS for decades,” Aerojet Rocketdyne Missile Solutions President Tyler Evans stated.
“Our plan remains to continue automating processes and modernizing facilities in 2024 that will enhance efficiency as we continue delivering this essential piece of GMLRS.”
Alongside L3Harris, Lockheed is working with Northrop Grumman to produce GMLRS rocket motors for the army.
Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System
The GMLRS is an aluminum-shielded, self-propelled system based on the chassis of the Bradley tracked armored fighting vehicle.
It was introduced to the US military in the 1980s and adopted by other countries and NATO allies.
The surface-to-surface platform can load and fire up to 12 munitions simultaneously and is operated by only three personnel.
GMLRS can reach targets between 32 and 300 kilometers (20 to 186 miles), depending on the warhead.