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Bantam

Overview

The Bantam engine family is being adapted from the proven design of the Atlas Sustainer engine to take full advantage of 3D printing capabilities. These engines, which would normally be composed of more than 100 parts, are built from only three 3D printed major components: the injector assembly, the combustion chamber; and a monolithic throat and nozzle section.

Key Features

Demonstrating the ability to produce a predominantly 3D printed engine is key to reducing the cost of future rocket propulsion systems. On the 5,000-pound-thrust “Baby Bantam” engine, L3Harris reduced total design and manufacturing time from more than a year – typical for engines of this size — to just a couple of months. Utilizing 3D printing on this program reduced the cost by approximately 65 percent compared to using conventional manufacturing methods.  

The Bantam family of engines produces thrust ranging from 5,000 up to 30,000 pounds and can be adapted to use various fuels including kerosene, ethanol, methane and storable propellants.

Latest News

Two workers working on AEPS thrusters for NASA Glenn Research Center

Press release | 08. 07. 2025

L3Harris Delivers Electric Thrusters for Lunar-Orbiting Gateway

L3Harris Technologies has delivered three Advanced Electric Propulsion System (AEPS) thrusters to NASA for final testing before integrating them into the Power and Propulsion Element of the lunar-orbiting Gateway station.

Two workers working on AEPS thrusters for NASA Glenn Research Center

Press release | 08. 07. 2025

L3Harris Delivers Electric Thrusters for Lunar-Orbiting Gateway

Exterior shot of building in Huntsville, Alabama

Press release | 08. 04. 2025

L3Harris Expanding Huntsville Solid Rocket Motor Facility, Poised for Further Growth

An artist's rendering of a torpedo

Editorial | 08. 01. 2025

L3Harris Successfully Tests New Power Plant System for Advanced Lightweight Torpedo

A solid rocket motor test fires at a facility

Press release | 07. 17. 2025

L3Harris to Expand Solid Rocket Motor Production in Arkansas

SLS gets integrated

Editorial | 06. 30. 2025

Artemis II Mission Advances with Successful RS-25 Engine Checkout Tests

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