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Solid Rocket Motors

Modernizing for the Future

Missile takes off in the sky

In 2023, Aerojet Rocketdyne, prior to being acquired by L3Harris, entered into a $215.6M Cooperative Agreement with the Department of Defense to increase production of GMLRS, Stinger and Javelin. Credit: U.S. Department of Defense

In 2023, Aerojet Rocketdyne, prior to being acquired by L3Harris, entered into a $215.6 million Cooperative Agreement with the Department of Defenseā€™s (DoD) Office of Manufacturing Capability Expansion and Investment Prioritization (MCEIP) to expand and modernize ARā€™s facilities in Camden, Huntsville and Orange County, Virginia, where the company manufactures complex rocket propulsion systems. 

Under the Cooperative Agreement, the company is building additional modernized facilities, purchasing advanced equipment, and automating manufacturing processes to support increased production demand focused on Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS), Javelin, and Stinger missiles. 

L3Harris is implementing digital transformation infrastructure and processes that align the company with DoDā€™s Digital Modernization Strategy to afford the Joint Force a competitive advantage in the modern battlespace.

Evolving Threats Require Proven Propulsion

Aerojetā€™s Jet-fuel Assisted Take Off technology propelled an overloaded aircraft into the air

Aerojetā€™s Jet-fuel Assisted Take Off (JATO) technology propelled an overloaded aircraft into the air throughout WWII by providing additional thrust in the form of small rockets. This JATO take-off, an ERCO Ercoupe fitted with a JATO GALCIT booster, performed at March Field, Calif., on Aug. 23, 1941.

The men and women of L3Harris have produced solid rocket motors for decades, supporting defense systems that have protected our warfighters, our nation and our allies. 

L3Harris' legacy producing solid rocket motors began with the Jet Assisted Take Off (JATO) motor, which provided extra boosting power for U.S. military planes during World War II.

During the 1950s and 1960s, L3Harris pioneered the development of solid- and liquid-fueled propulsion technology for U.S. missile and space programs. 

From supporting Americaā€™s earliest solid-fueled strategic missiles, including the Minuteman I and Polaris, and providing propulsion for every U.S. Air Force Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) ICBM ever fielded, to powering tactical, air defense and missile defense systems protecting our nation and allies today, L3Harris has a strong legacy of delivering proven propulsion.

ADVANCING TECHNOLOGY FOR NEXT GENERATION MISSIONS

Aerojet Rocketdyne eSR-73 Motor Test Drone

The eSR73 advanced large solid rocket motor was successfully hot fired at the companyā€™s Camden site

L3Harris propulsion has powered our nationā€™s defense for decades, and we are leveraging that expertise to provide innovative, reliable and affordable propulsion to power next generation systems. 

Our solid rocket motors incorporate lightweight graphite composite cases, advanced nozzles and high-energy, long-life propellants tailored to your mission.

Innovative Partnerships

Through innovative collaborations, including with NIOA in Australia and the Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division, weā€™re taking action to maximize solid rocket motor production. 

Information graphic describing how solid rocket motors work

Featured News

PAC-3 missile launches at night

Editorial | 07. 01. 2024

Proven Propulsion: The Science of Solid Rocket Motors

Aerojet Rocketdyneā€™s solid rocket motors incorporate advanced technologies and materials to provide proven propulsion to customers. To understand why these solid rocket motors are so effective, it's important to explore the science behind this key propulsion.

PAC-3 missile launches at night

Editorial | 07. 01. 2024

Proven Propulsion: The Science of Solid Rocket Motors

A THAAD interceptor is launched from the Reagan Test Site, Kwajalein Atoll

Press release | 06. 13. 2024

Aerojet Rocketdyne Delivers 1,000th THAAD Solid Rocket Boost Motor and Divert and Attitude Control System Ahead of Schedule

Aerojet Rocketdyneā€™s Advanced Manufacturing Facility opened in 2019. The company is expanding its operations in Huntsville to increase production of inert solid rocket motor components.

Editorial | 05. 28. 2024

Aerojet Rocketdyne Expanding Huntsville Operations to Increase Solid Rocket Motor Deliveries

New Aerojet Rocketdyne facility at the Camden, Arkansas, site consolidates solid rocket motor manufacturing to increase efficiency and capacity

Editorial | 05. 17. 2024

Aerojet Rocketdyneā€™s Camden Site Leverages Modernization Investments to Accelerate Solid Rocket Motor Production

Aerojet Rocketdyne is achieving key milestones executing the $215.6M Cooperative Agreement with the Department of Defense to increase production of GMLRS, Stinger and Javelin. Credit: DoD.

Editorial | 05. 09. 2024

Factories of the Future: Aerojet Rocketdyne Completes Key Milestones in Expansion and Modernization Effort

Solid Rocket Motors Infographic

Resources

  • Solid Rocket Motors Data Sheet

    Solid Rocket Motors Data Sheet

  • How Solid Rocket Motors Work Inforgraphic

    How Solid Rocket Motors Work Infographic

  • Solid Rocket Motors Infographic

    Solid Rocket Motors Infographic