ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - X-Bow Systems, a producer of advanced solid rocket motors (SRMs) and defense technologies, and the U.S. Army, have announced a $13.9 million joint investment. The collaboration aims to design, prototype, and test an advanced manufactured SRM for the standard-range Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS).
The joint investment, facilitated by the Department of Defense Office of Strategic Capital (OSC), is a strategic effort to address constraints in the nation's production capacity for missiles, munitions, and SRMs, which are currently limited by older manufacturing processes. The initiative seeks to establish an alternative supply source and strengthen the solid rocket motor industrial base, using X-Bow's patented advanced-manufactured solid-propellant (AMSP) processes for SRMs.
Jason Hundley, CEO of X-Bow Systems, said, "This investment will introduce next-generation manufacturing for critical defense systems. Our Luling, Texas campus, using these advanced methods, will have the capability to produce thousands of SRMs, including GMLRS."
OSC is supporting the U.S. Army in this effort through a cost-matching structure that facilitates this partnership, combining U.S. Government funding with private sector matching funds.
This Advanced Manufacturing Pathfinder is being coordinated by OSC. X-Bow will partner with Kord Technologies, a wholly owned subsidiary of KBR, to develop this Pathfinder. Kord will provide systems engineering and technical support. The project will culminate in a static fire demonstration of the GMLRS propulsion prototype, supporting the development of a new non-traditional supplier for DoD.
