Ursa Main Applied sciences has entered into an settlement with the US Navy to provide a brand new, 3D-printed strong rocket motor for the Customary Missile (SM) program.
The Colorado-based agency mentioned it was tapped to develop a brand new design for the workhorse Mk-104 twin rocket motor presently put in on the navy’s SM-2, SM-3, and SM-6 missiles.
As a result of manufacturing of the high-performance motor is time-consuming, Ursa will use revolutionary manufacturing tech known as “Lynx” to expedite the method.
The Lynx reportedly leverages additive manufacturing to design a strong rocket motor with added manufacturability and reliability.
“We’re pleased with the Navy’s assist and recognition of Ursa Main as a trusted companion to develop the following technology of Mk-104 strong rocket motors,” firm chief government Joe Laurienti said.
Ursa Main will coordinate with the Program Government Workplace – Built-in Warfare Methods (PEO-IWS), Naval Air Warfare Heart, and the Naval Floor Warfare Heart on the initiative.
‘A High Precedence’
The US is reportedly going through excessive demand for strong rocket motors to energy varied missile programs.
That is exacerbated by the scarcity of home suppliers and the necessity to proceed supporting Ukraine in its ongoing conflict.
Due to this, PEO-IWS director Captain Thomas Seigenthaler mentioned scaling manufacturing of missile motors has turn into a prime precedence for the navy.
“PEO IWS is happy to work with Ursa Main on this effort to bolster a crucial element of the nation’s industrial base,” he mentioned. “We’re impressed with Ursa Main’s revolutionary method to deal with manufacturing challenges.”
Lynx Expertise
Launched in 2023, Lynx expertise was constructed to provide strong rocket motors with out costly or time-consuming re-tooling or re-training.
It makes use of additive manufacturing and a product-agnostic tooling system to scale the method.
Ursa described the tech as an necessary new device able to serving to the US eradicate bottlenecks in rocket manufacturing.
“Our new method to manufacturing permits Ursa Main to rapidly develop high-performing motors at scale, driving quantity and value efficiencies to deal with this crucial nationwide want,” Laurienti mentioned.
Ursa’s first 3D-printed 6-inch diameter motor. Photograph: Ursa Main
