New Mexico-based X-Bow Systems and the US Army are investing $13.9 million to build and test a new solid rocket motor for the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS).
The project aims to alleviate pressure on the US missile supply chain, which is still limited by outdated production methods, while supporting the service’s push for a steady source of critical munitions.
For the initiative, X-Bow will apply its patented solid-propellant technology to create an additional production source and help support the rocket motor industrial base.
Funding for the project combines army resources with private investment under a cost-sharing program led by the US Department of Defense’s Office of Strategic Capital.
Throughout the work, X-Bow will partner with Kord Technologies, a subsidiary of Texas-headquartered defense contractor KBR, to provide engineering and technical support.
The effort will conclude with a static fire test of the new GMLRS rocket motor, a crucial step toward establishing a new supplier base for the Pentagon.
Advanced Manufacturing Pathfinder
The initiative will operate under the Office of Strategic Capital’s Advanced Manufacturing Pathfinder program, which utilizes cost-sharing between government and industry to accelerate the development of new defense production methods.
It aims to strengthen the US industrial base by integrating more supply chain partners and addressing obsolescence in related processes.
The program is backed by the Pentagon’s research and engineering office, the US Army’s top acquisition office, and the Program Executive Office for Missiles and Space.
Commenting on the GMLRS collaboration, X-Bow Systems CEO Jason Hundley stated that it represents a shift in how rocket motors are built for the US military.
“This investment will introduce next-generation manufacturing for critical defense systems,” Hundley said.
“Our Luling, Texas campus, using these advanced methods, will have the capability to produce thousands of [Solid Rocket Motors], including GMLRS.”
Recent Projects
X-Bow’s latest US Army project follows several recent advances in defense work.
The company launched its “Bolt” rocket in October 2024 in a test that validated its motor propellant technology and provided key flight data.
In August 2024, X-Bow completed the preliminary design review of its solid-fuel hypersonic booster rocket engine, marking a significant technical milestone in propulsion development and reducing risk for critical technologies.
Two months earlier, the firm won contracts to produce Mk 72 and Mk 104 rocket motors for the US Navy’s Standard Missile program, which equips surface ships with primary air defense weapons.
Earlier in March, the US Air Force Research Laboratory awarded X-Bow a follow-on deal under its Rapid Energetics and Advanced Rocket Manufacturing program, building on a 2021 award to build “Gen-0,” an advanced manufacturing capability housed at the company’s facilities to further reduce the cost of solid rocket motor production.
