Albuquerque-based X-Bow Systems, in partnership with Army, to prototype rocket system motor

Albuquerque-based defense company X-Bow Systems is partnering with the U.S. Army to design, prototype and test an advanced solid rocket motor.

The $13.9 million joint investment was announced Monday by X-Bow. The company will create an advanced prototype motor for the standard-range Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System, a surface-to-surface missile that is the primary round in the M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System, or MLRS, and the lighter M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, commonly referred to as HIMARS, according to Lockheed Martin.

“This investment will introduce next-generation manufacturing for critical defense systems,” X-Bow Systems CEO Jason Hundley said in a statement. “Our Luling, Texas, campus, using these advanced methods, will have the capability to produce thousands of (solid rocket motors), including (Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System).”

The joint investment, facilitated by the Department of Defense’s Office of Strategic Capital, aims to address disparities in the nation’s production of missiles, munitions and advanced solid rocket motors, according to the news release.

Hundley told the Journal that the rocket system is utilized globally and, because of that, stockpiles of “Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System rounds” have drastically declined over the last three years.

“One of those severe pinch points on this system has been that solid rocket motor,” Hundley said. “The existing suppliers have not been able to sufficiently ramp production.”

According to Northrop Grumman, solid rocket motors are made up of an outer cylindrical casing containing a solid propellant with a hole — often star-shaped — down the center, something to ignite the propellant and a nozzle for exhausting combustion gases.

Hundley said nearly two years ago, the Office of Strategic Capital sent out requests for proposals seeking companies that could handle the technology and help expand the production of standard rocket motors. Now selected, he said project development will span an 18- to 24-month timeline.

A key point of the proposal was the opportunity to co-invest, Hundley said, ensuring the office would not pay for everything and could pick from companies that are already “making strides” in the industry.