MELBOURNE, Fla., March 26, 2025 — L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) has debuted an advanced large solid rocket motor to power the company’s air-launched, Medium Range Ballistic Missile (MRBM) target vehicle.
The new L3Harris solid rocket motor, named eSR-19, was part of a recent Missile Defense Agency (MDA) test that powered the target’s first and second stages.
The test, designated as Flight Test Other-40 or Stellar Banshee, demonstrated detection and tracking of an advanced hypersonic target by the USS Pinckney. The exercise included firing a simulated upgraded Standard Missile 6 at the target, an air-launched MRBM with a Hypersonic Target Vehicle 1 front end.
“L3Harris designs, builds and integrates air-launched target missiles and then launches them from C-17 aircraft to provide realistic test trajectories,” said Ken Bedingfield, President, Aerojet Rocketdyne, L3Harris. “The enhanced capability of our new eSR-19 solid rocket motor, combined with our proven air-launch system, allows our target missile to accurately represent a wider array of potential threats, providing MDA with more flexibility in developing test scenarios.”
The eSR-19 is an upgraded version of the SR-19, which powers the second stage of the nation’s Minuteman III strategic missiles. The new advanced large solid rocket motor features a lighter filament-wound composite case and other improvements to provide enhanced performance.
The successful mission marks L3Harris’ 39th launch in support of the U.S. missile defense program.
About L3Harris Technologies
L3Harris Technologies is the Trusted Disruptor in the defense industry. With customers’ mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security. Visit L3Harris.com for more information.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements that reflect management's current expectations, assumptions and estimates of future performance and economic conditions. Such statements are made in reliance upon the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results and future trends to differ materially from those matters expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. L3Harris disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
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