RTX's Raytheon and Ursa Major conduct successful flight test

Rhea-AI Summary

RTX's Raytheon and Ursa Major have successfully completed a missile flight test of an advanced long-range solid rocket motor for the U.S. Army. The collaboration leverages digital engineering to accelerate development of affordable precision munitions. Ursa Major has conducted nearly 300 static test fires this year using additive manufacturing techniques, demonstrating rapid development capabilities.

The partnership aims to provide the U.S. Army with smart munitions that are more cost-effective than current systems. The program will continue with manufacturing improvements and additional flight tests in 2025, targeting qualification in 2026. RTX Ventures' 2023 investment in Ursa Major supports this initiative to address national security requirements through innovative rocket motor technologies.

Positive

• Successful completion of missile flight test
• Nearly 300 static test fires completed in 2023
• Manufacturing improvements and additional flight tests planned for 2025
• Development of more cost-effective munitions compared to current systems

Negative

• None.

Insights

Defense Technology Analyst

The successful flight test of Raytheon and Ursa Major's solid rocket motor represents a significant technological breakthrough in military capabilities. The integration of additive manufacturing and innovative component technologies positions this development as a game-changer for long-range precision munitions. With 300 static test fires completed this year and qualification planned for 2026, the accelerated development timeline demonstrates remarkable efficiency. The focus on affordability while maintaining advanced capabilities addresses a critical Pentagon priority for cost-effective defense solutions. The partnership leverages Ursa Major's manufacturing expertise with Raytheon's defense systems knowledge, potentially creating a sustainable competitive advantage in the military supply chain. This development could significantly impact RTX's defense segment revenues, particularly as the U.S. Army seeks to modernize its long-range precision strike capabilities.

Manufacturing Process Expert

The use of additive manufacturing in rocket motor production marks a revolutionary shift in defense manufacturing. This approach enables faster prototyping, reduced costs and greater design flexibility compared to traditional manufacturing methods. The ability to complete numerous static test fires within a year demonstrates the scalability and reliability of the manufacturing process. The emphasis on cost reduction through innovative manufacturing techniques while maintaining high performance is particularly noteworthy, as it addresses the persistent challenge of balancing military capability with budget constraints. This manufacturing breakthrough could establish a new industry standard for missile production, potentially leading to increased market share and improved profit margins for RTX in the defense sector.

Key milestone for the rapid development of affordable, long-range precision munitions

TUCSON, Ariz., Dec. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, and Ursa Major announced its advanced long-range solid rocket motor completed a successful missile flight test for the U.S. Army. The companies' combined experience and expertise in digital engineering was a critical factor in accelerating the design and development of this transformational capability.

"These long-range solid rocket motors will allow the U.S. Army and allies to strike farther and faster than anything our adversaries have in their arsenals," said Tom Laliberty, president of Land and Air Defense Systems at Raytheon. "This long-range rocket motor technology fills the essential role of providing affordable precision fires, while increasing range, safety, and magazine depth." 

Raytheon and Ursa Major's technical approach composes innovative, low-cost component technologies to deliver a new generation of smart munitions for the U.S. Army that are significantly more affordable than currently fielded systems.

"The Ursa Major team has utilized additive manufacturing to complete motor development, manufacturing, and testing in unprecedented timelines, resulting in nearly 300 static test fires this year," said Ursa Major CEO Dan Jablonsky.  "The innovative manufacturing techniques we employ are yielding agile solid rocket motor solutions with the design flexibility needed to expand the capabilities of the U.S. military. Ursa Major is poised to scale the production of higher-performing solid rocket motors at the pace and volume the country requires and at a price the country can afford."

Raytheon has selected Ursa Major's advanced propulsion technology as a key enabler to provide affordable solutions for the U.S. Army at extended ranges. During the next phase of the program, Raytheon and Ursa Major will incorporate manufacturing improvements, leading toward additional flight tests in 2025 and qualification in 2026.

In 2023, RTX Ventures invested in Ursa Major to explore new rocket motor technologies and help address this national security requirement. Together, Raytheon and Ursa Major are responding to the U.S. Army's urgent need for affordable precision-guided munitions by rapidly developing a new generation of smart munitions, via investments in rocket motor development and testing to prove design stability and maturity.

 About Raytheon 
Raytheon, an RTX business, is a leading provider of defense solutions to help the U.S. government, our allies and partners defend their national sovereignty and ensure their security. For more than 100 years, Raytheon has developed new technologies and enhanced existing capabilities in integrated air and missile defense, smart weapons, missiles, advanced sensors and radars, interceptors, space-based systems, hypersonics and missile defense across land, air, sea and space. 

About RTX 
With more than 185,000 global employees, RTX pushes the limits of technology and science to redefine how we connect and protect our world. Through industry-leading businesses – Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon – we are advancing aviation, engineering integrated defense systems, and developing next-generation technology solutions and manufacturing to help global customers address their most critical challenges. The company, with 2023 sales of $69 billion, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. 

For questions or to schedule an interview, please contact corporatepr@rtx.com 

About Ursa Major
Ursa Major is America's leading privately funded company focusing solely on rocket propulsion, bringing high-performance, staged combustion liquid engines to market for space, launch, and hypersonic uses while deploying a novel manufacturing process to scale solid rocket motor production. Ursa Major customers, ranging from commercial space launch providers to enterprise-level aerospace and defense leaders as well as the U.S. government, get to flight faster, more reliably and cost-effectively. The company employs the most sought-after engineers from top aerospace programs and universities. Headquartered in Berthoud, Colorado, with additive manufacturing facilities in Youngstown, Ohio, Ursa Major was named one of the best places to work by Built in Colorado three years in a row. For more information, visit www.ursamajor.com.  

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rtxs-raytheon-and-ursa-major-conduct-successful-flight-test-302334944.html

SOURCE RTX

FAQ

What are the key milestones in RTX and Ursa Major's missile development program?

The program achieved a successful missile flight test in 2023, with plans for additional flight tests in 2025 and qualification in 2026.

How many static test fires has Ursa Major completed for RTX's missile program?

Ursa Major has completed nearly 300 static test fires in 2023 using additive manufacturing techniques.

What is the cost advantage of RTX's new missile system?

The new smart munitions being developed are designed to be significantly more affordable than currently fielded systems.

When did RTX Ventures invest in Ursa Major?

RTX Ventures invested in Ursa Major in 2023 to explore new rocket motor technologies.

What manufacturing technology is Ursa Major using for RTX's missile program?

Ursa Major is utilizing additive manufacturing techniques to accelerate motor development, manufacturing, and testing.