L3Harris’ propulsion portfolio, advanced effects offerings and proven heritage in missile technologies allow us to deliver affordable systems quickly while also producing high end capabilities at scale, writes Scott Alexander, President, Propulsion Systems, Missile Solutions, in Defense News.
For more than 80 years, L3Harris has provided reliable, innovative propulsion to protect our warfighters, our nation and allies. As the Trusted Disruptor, we are innovating processes and materials to increase production capacity and weapon range, speed and lethality.
We are moving the mission forward by modernizing our facilities to deliver more solid rocket motors faster and more affordably.
We’re building ~60 manufacturing facilities across our major solid rocket motor production sites and increasing capacity to support today’s surges and tomorrow’s needs.
From automating equipment and robotics for repeatable, high quality, scalable, safe operations to maximizing efficiency and enhancing workflow, L3Harris is improving factory layouts in both its existing and new facilities.
The men and women of L3Harris have produced solid rocket motors for decades, supporting defense systems that have protected our warfighters, our nation and our allies.
L3Harris' legacy producing solid rocket motors began with the Jet Assisted Take Off (JATO) motor, which provided extra boosting power for U.S. military planes during World War II.
During the 1950s and 1960s, L3Harris pioneered the development of solid- and liquid-fueled propulsion technology for U.S. missile and space programs.
From supporting America’s earliest solid-fueled strategic missiles, including the Minuteman I and Polaris, and providing propulsion for every U.S. Air Force Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) ICBM ever fielded, to powering tactical, air defense and missile defense systems protecting our nation and allies today, L3Harris has a strong legacy of delivering proven propulsion.
L3Harris propulsion has powered our nation’s defense for decades, and we are leveraging that expertise to provide innovative, reliable and affordable propulsion to power next generation systems.
Our solid rocket motors incorporate lightweight graphite composite cases, advanced nozzles and high-energy, long-life propellants tailored to the mission.
L3Harris is pursuing innovative collaborations domestically and internationally.
The company has announced in‑country missile component production with WZE in Poland to support the Wisła air defense program as a certified supplier for the U.S. Army’s PAC‑3 system. In Australia, L3Harris is working with NIOA under a strategic agreement to explore manufacturing of guided‑weapons components.
The company also has a multi‑year agreement with Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division China Lake to manufacture critical missile components, as well as an agreement with the Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division to increase solid rocket motor production.
L3Harris’ solid rocket motors (SRM) incorporate advanced technologies and materials, including next-generation propellants and lightweight motor cases, which improve performance and lower costs.
Small SRMs power tactical missiles, and large SRMs power intercontinental ballistic missiles
Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM)
Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)
Standard Missile (SM)
Hypersonics
PAC-3 MSE
Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS)
Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS)
Nulka
Javelin
Stinger
The appearance of U.S. Department of War visual information does not imply or constitute DOW endorsement.
