Solid Rocket Motors

L3Harris Delivers Operational Realism for Missile Defense

L3Harris’ capabilities are not theoretical but backed by tangible assets and dedicated engineering prowess, writes Scott Alexander, President of Missile Solutions, Aerojet Rocketdyne, L3Harris, in Defense News.

Proven Propulsion. Fueled by Innovation.

For more than 80 years, L3Harris has provided reliable, innovative propulsion to protect our warfighters, our nation and allies. As the Trusted Disruptor, we are innovating processes and materials to increase production capacity and weapon range, speed and lethality.

Maximizing Production

We are moving the mission forward by modernizing our facilities to deliver more solid rocket motors faster and more affordably.

We’re building or expanding more than 30 manufacturing facilities across our major solid rocket motor production sites and increasing capacity to support today’s surges and tomorrow’s needs.

Camden, AR – Center of Excellence for Solid Rocket Motors

Huntsville, AL – Center of Excellence for Inert Component Manufacturing

Orange County, VA – Center of Excellence for Propellant Research and Development and Small to Medium Solid Rocket Motor Production

The company’s Orange County site is home to some of the most advanced defense and space propulsion research, development and manufacturing operations in the world. The site is fully equipped with a solid propellant lab and production facilities located on a campus that encompasses more than 2,000 acres with 256,000 square feet of manufacturing space. It is also home to three state-of-the-art test facilities: the Orange Static Test Facility (OSTF), Orange Aerothermal Propulsion Lab (OAPL) and Orange Altitude Test Site (OATS).

Modernizing for the Future

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

From automating equipment and robotics for repeatable, high quality, scalable, safe operations to maximizing efficiency and enhancing workflow, L3Harris is improving factory layouts in both its existing and new facilities.

Evolving Threats Require Proven Propulsion

Aerojet’s Jet-fuel Assisted Take Off technology propelled an overloaded aircraft into the air

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 America’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

L3Harris propulsion has powered our nation’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 the mission.

Innovative Partnerships

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

Small SRMs power tactical missiles, and large SRMs power intercontinental ballistic missiles

Pound for Pound the Most Affordable Thrust

L3Harris' solid rocket motors (SRM) incorporate advanced technologies and materials, including next-generation propellants and lightweight motor cases, which improve performance and lower costs.

Efficient

Reliable

Flexible

*Not to Scale

Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM)

Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)

Standard Missile (SM)

Hypersonics

PAC-3 MSE

Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS)

Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS)

Nulka

Javelin

Griffin

Stinger

Resources

Solid Rocket Motors Data Sheet
How Solid Rocket Motors Work Infographic

Solid Rocket Motors Infographic

The L3Harris Difference: Delivering on Solid Rocket Motors

Media Gallery

L3Harris Breaks Ground on Solid Rocket Motor 'Factories of the Future' in Arkansas Video Thumbnail

Next Generation Solid Rocket Motors Video

Evolving Threats Require Proven Propulsion

Aerojet Rocketdyne, Kratos Successfully Hot Fire Zeus 2 Solid Rocket Motor

L3Harris Breaks Ground on Solid Rocket Motor 'Factories of the Future' in Arkansas

Next Generation Solid Rocket Motors

What is solid rocket motor propulsion?

Powering PAC-3

Aerojet Rocketdyne, prior to being acquired by L3Harris, Kratos Successfully Hot Fire Zeus 2 Solid Rocket Motor

Support to Army

Support to Navy

Support to USAF

Featured News

Press release | 09. 15. 2025

L3Harris Receives Multi-Year Javelin Solid Rocket Motor Contract

L3Harris Technologies has received a contract valued up to $292 million to continue its role producing propulsion for the Javelin weapon system. The award is the largest propulsion production contract received to date for the Javelin program, representing a production extension for five years.