The agreement combines Venus Aerospace’s flight-tested propulsion technology with Lockheed Martin’s experience in defense system integration and production. The companies will assess whether the architecture can support weapons that require greater range, speed and operational flexibility.
Rotating detonation propulsion uses continuously traveling detonation waves to generate thrust. That differs from conventional rocket engines that rely on subsonic combustion.
Lockheed Martin said the approach could improve propulsion efficiency while reducing system complexity. The technology could also support future precision fires systems that need greater range and speed without sacrificing affordability or production scale.
The agreement gives Lockheed Martin a framework to evaluate the propulsion system against military requirements. The work is intended to move RDRE technology from a subsystem demonstration environment into practical missile applications.
Lockheed Martin also plans to examine how the propulsion architecture could be integrated with launch systems, precision guidance and manufacturing processes. The company said that combination could help move new propulsion technology into deployable systems more quickly.
“Lockheed Martin is focused on rapidly delivering advanced capabilities that strengthen deterrence and provide decisive advantages for the warfighter,” said Tim Cahill, president, Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “Our collaboration with Venus Aerospace allows us to evaluate a promising propulsion technology and determine how it can be integrated into future precision fires solutions.”
“Partnerships like this help accelerate innovation, reduce risk and rapidly advance from emerging technology to operational capability,” Cahill said. Lockheed Martin said the collaboration also supports its effort to expand future capabilities available to the United States and its allies.
“Defense customers are asking for more than incremental gains from legacy propulsion,” said Sassie Duggleby, co-founder and CEO of Venus Aerospace. “Our RDRE technology offers a different propulsion architecture for systems that need more range, more speed and a realistic path to production.”
“This agreement with Lockheed Martin moves our breakthrough closer to real precision fires applications,” Duggleby said. The companies also said the partnership supports advanced manufacturing and the broader U.S. defense industrial base.
Lockheed Martin said future U.S. defense systems will need performance gains that can be delivered at scale. The RDRE effort is intended to determine whether a new propulsion architecture can meet those requirements in future long-range precision fires programs.
