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.

 

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“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.”

 

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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.

 

 

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