X-Bow Systems Inc announces DoD contract for hypersonic solid rocket motor development

X-Bow Systems Inc was selected by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy, for a $64 million contract to provide large solid rocket motors (SRM) to the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Army. This contract establishes X-Bow as a new supplier of SRMs and strengthens the Defense Department supply chain in a critical period for the United States.  The introduction of X-Bow's new methods for manufacturing SRMs and energetics will lead to a significant increase in SRM production capacity and decrease in cost for production of SRMs.

X-Bow's SRMs will provide boost propulsion for the Navy-designed hypersonic All Up Round (AUR) utilized by the Navy's Conventional Prompt Strike weapon system and the Army's Long Range Hypersonic Weapon System.  X-Bow's world-class team includes Leidos Dynetics and Karman Space & Defense.

This collaboration adds a key capability to domestic sources for large diameter SRM production.

"This breakthrough collaboration with the Department of Defense further accelerates X-Bow's existing commitment to provide new, affordable hypersonic solutions,” says Jason Hundley, X-Bow CEO and Founder. “Our team understands the critical nature of this effort and has made this collaboration a key priority.  X-Bow is in a unique position to apply our advanced manufacturing for energetics and our revolutionary approach to solid rocket motor development to add much needed production capacity quickly and efficiently."

"This effort is a key component of the Defense Department's strategy to accelerate the development and fielding of hypersonic systems to deliver cutting-edge capabilities and options to our armed forces," states Dr. James Weber, DoD's Principal Director for Hypersonics. "X-Bow will be a critical partner in building our enduring advantage in the national defense mission."

The establishment of robust and resilient supply chains supporting hypersonic systems is an outlined priority for the DoD as stated in Executive Order 14017, "Securing Defense-Critical Supply Chains."

"This award represents another vital step by the Department of Defense to expand the defense industrial base and pursue novel processes that will ensure the United States remains a leader in manufacturing capabilities," says Dr. Laura Taylor-Kale, ASD (IBP). "We look forward to working with our partners at X-Bow and delivering new capability to the Conventional Prompt Strike and Army's Long Range Hypersonic Weapon programs."