Firehawk Aerospace tests first 3D-printed hybrid rocket in U.S. Army flight programme

By Defence Industry Europe

The U.S. State Department has approved a potential Foreign Military Sale to Australia involving Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System-Alternate Warhead (GMLRS-AW) rounds. The deal, estimated at USD 91.2 million, was formally notified to Congress by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).
Photo: Lockheed Martin.

Firehawk Aerospace has conducted the inaugural flight of its additively manufactured GMLRS-class Firehawk Analog (GFA), a 3D-printed hybrid rocket engine system. The demonstration forms part of the company’s ongoing Phase III SBIR contract with the Army Applications Laboratory (AAL).

 

The rocket achieved a vertical ascent of more than 18,000 feet and exceeded the speed of sound after being launched from a mobile platform. The test highlighted the system’s directional stability and thrust performance while underscoring the adaptability and affordability of hybrid propulsion combined with additive manufacturing.

 

 

“This milestone proves that hybrid propulsion systems, when paired with advanced additive manufacturing, have a real place in the future of tactical systems,” said Will Edwards, CEO, Firehawk Aerospace. “To design, develop and launch the first-ever GMLRS form-factor hybrid propulsion system underscores the strength and innovation of our engineering team and the scalability of our technology.”

 

 

The GFA test marks the first in a series of planned demonstrations under the AAL contract. Firehawk Aerospace intends next to flight test its Javelin-class and Stinger-class analogs, which are designed as drop-in solid rocket motor replacements for existing Department of Defense weapon systems.

 

 

Tags:

Related news & articles

Latest news

Featured