Firehawk Aerospace demonstrates first tactical-ready 3D-printed hybrid rocket for U.S. Army

Firehawk Aerospace, a leading developer and manufacturer of advanced energetics systems for defense applications, has completed the inaugural flight test of an additively GMLRS-class Firehawk Analog (GFA), a 3D-printed hybrid rocket engine system, demonstrating the company’s ability to additively manufacture hybrid propulsion as part of its ongoing Phase III SBIR contract with the Army Applications Laboratory (AAL).

Showcasing directional stability and thrust performance, the hybrid rocket system achieved a vertical ascent of over 18,000ft, exceeding the speed of sound, after launching from a purpose-built mobile platform. This flight test emphasizes the adaptability, affordability, and swift production made possible by hybrid engines and additive manufacturing.

“This milestone proves hybrid propulsion systems, when paired with advanced additive manufacturing, have a real place in the future of tactical systems,” says Will Edwards, CEO, Firehawk Aerospace. “To design, develop and launch the first-ever GMLRS form-factor hybrid propulsion system underscores the strength and innovation of our engineering team and the scalability of our technology.”

The GFA test is the first in a series of flight demonstrations under the AAL contract. Firehawk will next flight test its Javelin-class and Stinger-class analogs, which are designed as drop-in solid rocket motor replacements for existing DOD weapon systems.