ARMD tested at supersonic speed with Ursa Major’s Draper liquid rocket engine
The US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and Ursa Major Technologies Inc, located in Berthoud, Colorado, have conducted a flight test of the Affordable Rapid Missile Demonstrator (ARMD), powered by the Draper liquid rocket engine. The vehicle reportedly reached supersonic speeds and demonstrated operational concepts intended to support rapid strike capabilities.
“This project proves that we can transform and leverage our acquisition models to rapidly deliver critical technology advancements to deter and win in a future conflict,” stated Brig Gen Jason Bartolomei, Commander of AFRL and Air Force Technology Executive Officer. “We are not just building a single missile, we are forging a new path toward a cost-effective, mass-producible deterrent for the nation.”
Ursa Major uses metal Additive Manufacturing to develop and manufacture its rocket engines. The company stated that the ARMD programme demonstrates a new approach to accelerating the development of defence technologies through public–private collaboration.
“This flight proves that you can get a vehicle with a safe, storable and throttleable liquid engine in the air quickly and affordably,” stated Chris Spagnoletti, CEO of Ursa Major. “We went from contract to flight-ready of an all-up round and propulsion system in just eight months.”
The Draper liquid rocket engine builds on several years of development work undertaken by Ursa Major on its Hadley liquid rocket engine. The programme is also part of an ongoing public–private partnership between AFRL and Ursa Major to develop new rocket propulsion technologies.
“ARMD represents a key milestone in our efforts to develop affordable and scalable liquid rocket engine technologies for future defence applications,” said Dr Javier Urzay, Chief of the AFRL Rocket Propulsion Division.
Ursa Major is currently under contract with AFRL to continue characterising the Draper liquid rocket engine through additional flight testing.
