The US Army has chosen Anduril to develop and qualify a new 4.75-inch solid rocket motor (SRM) to enhance long-range precision rocket artillery missions.
This development aims to deliver affordable, high-volume precision fires at scale, meeting the demands of modern warfare.
Anduril’s solution is expected to increase magazine capacity while preserving the range, effectiveness, and lethality essential for current battlefield conditions.
The company notes that the 4.75-inch SRMs could allow up to 30 guided rockets in a single High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) pod, optimising loadout within the constraints of existing launchers.
It caters to a range of mission applications including rocket-assisted take-off, air-to-air, air-to-ground, surface-to-surface, surface-to-air, hypersonic boosters, missile defence, and man-portable tactical systems.
Under the new programme, Anduril will manufacture and test rocket motors using both traditional aluminised propellant and the advanced ALITEC fuel.
ALITEC is designed to enhance rocket motor performance by extending munition range and reducing size, weight, and power requirements.
The ALITEC-powered SRMs are expected to achieve ranges similar to larger rocket motors.
The company said in statement: “At Anduril, we are committed to delivering effective, reliable solutions that meet the evolving demands of modern warfare. We entered the solid rocket motor (SRM) market in 2022 to address a clear need for greater competition and expanded supply capacity for the United States and its allies.
“Ongoing global conflicts have only underscored the urgency of increasing industry capacity. SRMs are essential components of munitions and hypersonic weapons, making it critical to scale production and replenish this depleted resource.”
Anduril’s production facilities span more than 450 acres, enabling the production of thousands of SRMs annually.
A recent $14.3m Defense Production Act award has facilitated the implementation of single-piece-flow manufacturing at Anduril.
This process, along with a bladeless high-speed mixer, aims to produce these propulsion systems efficiently and affordably.
The government’s investment complements Anduril’s own $75m investment to mass-produce SRMs at reduced costs, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery to the military.
