US Army and X-Bow Systems Invest $13.9 Million in GMLRS Motor

The US Army has partnered with X-Bow Systems to invest a total of $13.9 million in the development of a new solid rocket motor prototype for the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS). This initiative, backed by the Department of Defense Office of Strategic Capital (OSC), aims to enhance national production capabilities for missiles and munitions, addressing existing limitations.

The OSC’s commitment is part of a strategic effort to establish a more robust supply chain for solid rocket motors (SRMs). By leveraging X-Bow’s proprietary advanced-manufactured solid-propellant (AMSP) processes, the partnership seeks to strengthen the industrial base for SRMs.

Investment to Transform Manufacturing

Jason Hundley, CEO of X-Bow Systems, emphasized the significance of this investment, stating, “This investment will introduce next-generation manufacturing for critical defence systems.” The company plans to utilize its facility in Luling, Texas to produce thousands of SRMs, including those intended for GMLRS.

The collaboration operates on a cost-matching basis, where funding from the government is complemented by private sector investments. This initiative aligns with the Army’s overarching mission to maintain a reliable supply of essential munitions. The OSC orchestrates the Advanced Manufacturing Pathfinder project on behalf of the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E)), which also collaborates with the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology (ASA(ALT)) and the Army’s Program Executive Office for Missiles and Space (PEO MS).

X-Bow Systems will work closely with KBR subsidiary Kord Technologies, which will provide systems engineering and technical assistance. This partnership aims to streamline the process of developing the new SRM prototype, enhancing the overall manufacturing capabilities.

Strategic Partnerships and Funding

The announcement of this joint investment follows X-Bow Systems’ completion of its Series B financing round, which raised over $105 million as of May 2023. Notably, Lockheed Martin played a significant role in this funding round, providing substantial investment to support X-Bow Systems.

In addition to financial backing, X-Bow Systems and Lockheed Martin have established a strategic agreement. This pact aims to accelerate X-Bow’s emergence as an independent supplier of SRMs and associated services for both current and future Lockheed Martin projects.

Through this investment and partnership, the US Army and X-Bow Systems are poised to enhance the production of advanced rocket systems, ensuring that the military retains a competitive edge in technology and manufacturing capabilities in the defense sector.