The US Army, backed by the Department of Defense Office of Strategic Capital (OSC), has partnered with advanced solid rocket motors (SRMs) producer X-Bow Systems in a joint investment totalling $13.9m.
The initiative focuses on developing and testing a new solid rocket motor prototype for the standard-range Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS).
The commitment by the OSC is part of a strategic initiative to address limitations in the national production capabilities for missiles, munitions, and SRMs.
The goal is to create an additional supply chain and enhance the industrial base for SRMs by leveraging X-Bow's proprietary advanced-manufactured solid-propellant (AMSP) processes.
X-Bow Systems CEO Jason Hundley said: "This investment will introduce next-generation manufacturing for critical defence systems. Our Luling, Texas campus, using these advanced methods, will have the capability to produce thousands of SRMs, including GMLRS."
The partnership operates on a cost-matching basis, with government funding being supplemented by private sector investments.
This effort aligns with the Army's mission to ensure a dependable and ample supply of essential munitions.
The Advanced Manufacturing Pathfinder project is orchestrated by OSC on behalf of the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E)).
It also supports the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology (ASA(ALT)) and the Army's Program Executive Office for Missiles and Space (PEO MS).
For this Pathfinder initiative, X-Bow will collaborate with KBR subsidiary Kord Technologies.
Kord will contribute systems engineering and technical assistance.
The announcement for joint investment follows X-Bow Systems' declaration of the completion of its Series B financing round, which raised more than $105m as of May this year.
Lockheed Martin spearheaded the strategic segment of funding for X-Bow Systems with a substantial investment.
To bolster the industrial foundation and generate reciprocal advantages, X-Bow Systems and Lockheed Martin have forged a strategic pact.
This agreement aims to expedite X-Bow's emergence as an independent supplier of SRMs and associated services for Lockheed Martin's current and prospective projects.
