RTX and Colorado-based propulsion firm Ursa Major have announced the successful flight-tests of a new solid rocket motor with long-range capabilities.
The tests, conducted at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake in California, saw an RTX missile powered by the Ursa-made rocket motor, which measures less than 10 inches (25.4 centimeters) in diameter.
According to Ursa Major CEO Dan Jablonsky, the tests demonstrated the effectiveness of the company’s agile manufacturing techniques and confirmed that the solid rocket motor is ready to support a range of military programs.
However, he did not disclose which RTX missile was used or how far the rocket motor propelled it.
“The innovative manufacturing techniques we employ are yielding agile solid rocket motor solutions with the design flexibility needed to expand the capabilities of the US military,” he said.
Jablonsky added that Ursa Major will conduct further tests of its advanced solid rocket motor, including on an extended-range version of the RTX missile.
‘Providing Affordable Precision Fires’
In 2023, RTX partnered with Ursa Major to explore new rocket motor technologies designed to meet national security needs.
The goal is to provide the military with affordable, precision fire capabilities while extending operational range and improving safety.
The two companies reportedly combined their expertise in digital engineering to accelerate the development of the solid rocket motor.
“Ursa Major is poised to scale the production of higher-performing solid rocket motors at the pace and volume the country requires and at a price the country can afford,” Jablonsky noted.
RTX and Ursa plan to incorporate further manufacturing enhancements to the rocket motor with the goal of achieving full qualification by 2026.
