L3Harris Technologies has opened a new solid rocket motor facility in Arkansas designed to double its current production capacity as the US pushes to expand supplies of precision missiles.
The facility in Camden will consolidate production of solid rocket motors for the US Army’s Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS), which fires precision-guided rockets at ground targets.
L3Harris said the new site will use advanced automation and digital manufacturing to increase production speed and reliability. The company did not disclose a timeline for reaching full capacity.
“This facility showcases the power of government-industry collaboration as well as the expansion model we’re implementing nationwide, bringing together advanced automation, digital manufacturing and highly trained artisans to accelerate production with the speed, quality and reliability our warfighters demand,” L3Harris Missile Solutions President Ken Bedingfield said.
US Expands US Rocket Motor Supply
L3Harris’ expansion comes as the US defense industry works to increase manufacturing capacity for missiles and other munitions amid sustained demand from the US military and its allies.
Solid rocket motors are a key component of weapons such as the GMLRS and PAC-3 interceptor. Expanding their production requires additional manufacturing infrastructure and propellant-processing capacity, as well as specialized equipment and a trained workforce.
In October, Avio USA broke ground on a 900,000-square-foot (83,612-square-meter) facility in Hurt, Virginia, that is expected to produce thousands of solid rocket motors annually for US missile programs.
Northrop Grumman opened a new manufacturing facility in Elkton, Maryland, in September to expand its solid rocket motor and hypersonic propulsion capabilities. The 57,000-square-foot (5,295-square-meter) Propulsion Innovation Center will employ about 250 engineers.
In June, L3Harris Technologies invested $25 million to expand its solid rocket motor manufacturing operations in Huntsville, Alabama.
