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The US Navy has contracted X-Bow Systems to upgrade the energetics industrial base to support the rising demand for solid rocket motors.
Five contracts totaling $60 million have been awarded to the New Mexico-based firm to support the 15-year modernization plan of Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division.
The division is responsible for the development and production of energetics: explosives, propellants, and related chemicals used in propulsion and ordnance.
The $2.7-billion modernization plan intends to expand and modernize the nation’s energetics manufacturing capabilities.
“Ensuring our warfighters are prepared for any situation requires a robust organic industrial base,” X-Bow Systems CEO Jason Hundley said.
“Our work to help modernize NSWC Indian Head will increase production capacity of solid rocket motors and other energetics systems to meet the growing needs of the US military.”
Indian Head Division Modernization
X-Bow Systems is a non-traditional producer of advanced solid rocket motors and defense technologies.
Solid rocket motors are propulsion systems used in missiles, space launch vehicles, and other military applications.
Under the phase 1 contract, the firm will develop and procure long-lead equipment to modernize and automate several capabilities at Indian Head Division, including inert preparation facilities.
“Partnerships such as ours with X-Bow are vital in helping us reenergize and ultimately bolster the nation’s munitions industrial base,” Energetics Manufacturing Department Head of the Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division Phillip J. Cole said.
