L3Harris Technologies has commenced construction on five new solid rocket motor facilities in Virginia, the US.
The facilities are located at the company’s Center of Excellence for Propellant Research and Small to Medium-sized Solid Rocket Motor Production.
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They will feature advanced technologies including modular factory design, robotic flex cells, automated progressive casting, and improved handling and assembly systems across the production line, the company said.
L3Harris Aerojet Rocketdyne president Ken Bedingfield said: “L3Harris’ growth in Virginia is another solid example of how we’re expanding our rocket motor manufacturing infrastructure to support the nation’s defence propulsion needs.
“Made possible through a Defense Production Act Title III cooperative agreement, this expansion will complement an existing 256,000ft2 of manufacturing space, supporting some of the most advanced propulsion research and production in the world.”
As part of the expansion, the company is developing a 12,000ft2 facility dedicated to rocket motor casting and assembly.
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By GlobalDataAdditional enhancements include a new control room, infrastructure for mixing and grinding operations, and upgrades to the site’s motor testing systems.
The consolidated facility is expected to reduce the travel distance of motors during manufacturing by 90%, bringing all phases of a critical programme under one roof, the company added.
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin said: “L3Harris’ continued expansion in Virginia underscores the Commonwealth’s pivotal role in safeguarding our nation’s security.
“With a world-class workforce, cutting-edge infrastructure, and a strategic East Coast location, Virginia offers the ideal environment for defence and aerospace leaders like L3Harris to grow and drive innovation for the future.”
In addition to the Virginia project, L3Harris is modernising and expanding its solid rocket motor production in Camden, Arkansas, and transitioning production of inert components for critical missile systems to Huntsville, Alabama.
The company has already increased production through digital process improvements and the integration of new tooling and equipment.
In January 2025, L3Harris secured a $300m contract from the US Army to deliver thousands of next-generation Handheld, Manpack, and Small Form Fit (HMS) radios.
The fixed-price deal is part of a wider group of multi-vendor indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contracts announced in 2016 by US Senator Chuck Schumer.
The company’s Falcon IV family of radios, included in the Army’s HMS programme, is designed to support mobile communication operations deemed essential for safeguarding national interests.
