The demonstration flight marks an important step in the development of new missile technologies. According to AFRL, the program focuses on advancing affordable and scalable propulsion systems capable of supporting future defense requirements.
Brig. Gen. Jason Bartolomei, AFRL Commander and Air Force Technology Executive Officer, emphasized the importance of the program for modernizing defense acquisition and technology development. “This project proves that we can transform and leverage our acquisition models to rapidly deliver critical technology advancements to deter and win in a future conflict.”
He also noted that the effort extends beyond a single weapon system. “We are not just building a single missile; we are forging a new path toward a cost-effective, mass-producible deterrent for the nation.”
Ursa Major leadership highlighted the program’s emphasis on speed and affordability in developing new propulsion technologies. The ARMD initiative reflects a broader effort to accelerate research and development through public-private partnerships.
Chris Spagnoletti, chief executive officer of Ursa Major, said the test demonstrated the practicality of using advanced liquid propulsion in rapidly developed systems. “This flight proves that you can get a vehicle with a safe, storable and throttleable liquid engine in the air quickly and affordably.”
He added that the program achieved a significant development milestone within a short timeframe. “We went from contract to flight-ready of an all up round and propulsion system in just eight months.”
The Draper engine demonstration builds on Ursa Major’s earlier work on the Hadley liquid rocket engine. The development has been carried out through a long-standing collaboration between AFRL and the company to advance next-generation propulsion technologies.
Dr. Javier Urzay, Chief of the AFRL Rocket Propulsion Division, said the project represents a key step toward more capable and affordable propulsion systems. “ARMD represents a key milestone in our efforts to develop revolutionary, affordable and scalable liquid rocket engine technologies to win the wars of tomorrow.”
Ursa Major is currently under contract with AFRL to continue advancing the Draper liquid rocket engine through additional flight characterization efforts. These activities are intended to further validate the engine’s performance and operational potential.
The Air Force Research Laboratory serves as the Department of the Air Force’s primary scientific research and development center. Its mission includes the discovery, development and delivery of advanced warfighting technologies across air, space and cyberspace domains.
Ursa Major is an aerospace and defense company specializing in propulsion and advanced manufacturing technologies. Headquartered in Berthoud, Colorado, with additive manufacturing operations in Youngstown, Ohio, the company develops systems for hypersonics, solid rocket motors, space mobility and launch applications.
According to the company, its production methods and flexible architectures are designed to accelerate the delivery of critical capabilities across land, air, sea and space domains. Ursa Major states that these efforts aim to strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base and support allied security needs.
