Firehawk Aerospace has landed an investment from Hanwha Defense USA to fast-track its solid rocket motor technology.
The initiative covers production and system integration, leveraging Firehawk’s additive manufacturing capabilities and patented process.
It will accelerate full‑rate 3D‑printed propellant production, motor development, and delivery of fully integrated missile systems.
“This investment from Hanwha supports our mission of bringing solid rocket motor technology into the 21st century to address the challenges of the current industrial supply base and provide the warfighter with a decisive advantage,” said Will Edwards, CEO of Firehawk.
According to the company, scaling additive manufacturing reduces constraints associated with traditional propellant processes. It enables faster, safer, and more cost‑effective production of customized munitions with a smaller facility footprint.
Mike Smith, COO of Hanwha Defense USA, stated that “Firehawk’s transformative approach to propulsion production redefines what is possible within the industry.”
Advancing Rocket Technology
US-based defense startup Firehawk, with operational sites in Texas and a manufacturing facility in Lawton, Oklahoma, is advancing several projects that use 3D printing and additive manufacturing to modernize rocket systems.
In September, the company secured a $4-million US Air Force contract to develop thermoplastic-based, 3D-printed solid rocket propellants to extend missile range under a program jointly managed by the Air Force Research Laboratory and SpaceWERX.
Earlier this year, Firehawk’s hybrid 3D‑printed rocket engine, Firehawk Analog, completed a supersonic test flight, climbing to 18,000 feet (5,486 meters) from a mobile launch platform.
