L3Harris’ capabilities are not theoretical but backed by tangible assets and dedicated engineering prowess, writes Scott Alexander, President of Propulsion Systems, Missile Solutions, L3Harris, in Defense News.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
L3Harris' solid rocket motors (SRM) incorporate advanced technologies and materials, including next-generation propellants and lightweight motor cases, which improve performance and lower costs.
Small SRMs power tactical missiles, and large SRMs power intercontinental ballistic missiles
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
Editorial | 08. 25. 2026
Full scale testing of L3Harris’ high energy, lower cost solid-fueled ramjet advances propulsion that gives warfighters greater stand off range, faster engagement timelines and decisive overmatch against high speed threats.
The appearance of U.S. Department of War visual information does not imply or constitute DOW endorsement.
