Firehawk Aerospace, a developer and producer of superior energetics techniques for protection purposes, has accomplished the inaugural flight check of an additively GMLRS-class Firehawk Analog (GFA), a 3D printed hybrid rocket engine system, demonstrating the corporate’s skill to additively manufacture hybrid propulsion as a part of its ongoing Part III SBIR contract with the Military Functions Laboratory (AAL).
Showcasing directional stability and thrust efficiency, the hybrid rocket system achieved a vertical ascent of over 18,000 toes, exceeding the pace of sound, after launching from a purpose-built cell platform. This flight check emphasizes the adaptability, affordability, and swift manufacturing made doable by hybrid engines and AM.
“This milestone proves that hybrid propulsion techniques, when paired with superior additive manufacturing, have an actual place in the way forward for tactical techniques,” states Will Edwards, CEO of Firehawk Aerospace. “To design, develop, and launch the first-ever GMLRS form-factor hybrid propulsion system underscores the energy and innovation of our engineering group and the scalability of our know-how.”
The GFA check is the primary in a collection of flight demonstrations below the AAL contract. Firehawk will subsequent flight check its Javelin-class and Stinger-class analogs, that are designed as drop-in strong rocket motor replacements for current DoD weapon techniques.