US to revolutionise HIMARS capabilities with new rocket motor

American defense technology firm, Anduril Industries, has been chosen by the U.S. Army to develop and qualify a new 4.75-inch solid rocket motor (SRM) to enhance the Army’s long-range precision rocket artillery capabilities.  

The selection of Anduril Rocket Motor Systems to spearhead the creation of this new SRM comes as the United States and its allies face ongoing global conflicts that highlight the urgency of expanding the supply and capacity of critical munitions, Caliber.Az reports, citing the firm's press release.

With SRMs being vital components in munitions and hypersonic weapons, the ability to scale production has become paramount.

The 4.75-inch SRM, designed specifically to support the Army’s long-range precision missions, will allow for more efficient use of launcher space without compromising the effectiveness or lethality of the system. Notably, this form factor enables up to 30 guided rockets to be configured into a single HIMARS pod, dramatically increasing the number of rounds per launcher while maintaining a manageable system footprint.

In addition to the 4.75-inch form factor, Anduril will utilize both traditional aluminized propellant and its advanced ALITEC fuel for the rocket motors. ALITEC is designed to improve rocket motor performance by enhancing munition range while reducing size, weight, and power demands. The company anticipates that ALITEC-powered SRMs will achieve ranges comparable to much larger rocket motors, thus providing long-range strike capabilities in a smaller, more efficient design.

To support the production of these advanced rocket motors, Anduril has received a $14.3 million Defense Production Act award. The company will employ single-piece-flow manufacturing powered by a bladeless high-speed mixer to ensure efficient and cost-effective production. This investment is further backed by Anduril’s own $75 million commitment to producing large volumes of SRMs at reduced costs, ensuring that more rockets are delivered to U.S. warfighters on time and at a lower cost.

“We are excited to contribute to the U.S. Army’s precision artillery missions,” said [Anduril Representative]. “This program will not only increase the capacity and affordability of the Army’s munitions supply, but also enhance the long-range capabilities necessary for modern combat."

Anduril Industries continues to lead innovation in defense technologies, and with this new partnership, it aims to play a key role in strengthening the U.S. military’s operational capabilities on the battlefield. The company looks forward to keeping the public informed as the program progresses.

By Khagan Isayev