L3Harris Completes First Full-Scale Ground Test of New Solid Fuel Ramjet

L3Harris completed its first full-scale ground test of a new solid fuel ramjet fuel grain formulated to reduce costs compared with historical industry standards, @zerohedge reported. The company ignited and operated the system in a direct-connect flight-representative environment. Engineers evaluated performance across a large portion of the simulated flight envelope.

Initial results showed propulsion levels consistent with expectations for flight operation. Scott Alexander, President of Missile Propulsion at L3Harris, said the test marked an important step in proving solid fuel ramjet propulsion can deliver the speed, range and affordability customers need.

He added that the company is reducing risk now to move faster toward a scalable capability for the warfighter.

Joel Warhurst, Director of Business Development at L3Harris, said the test answers the Department of War's call for longer-reach, more capable, lower-cost propulsion producible at the needed scale. He stated the company is designing for manufacturing, performance and production capacity to achieve more speed and range at a cost point that supports affordable mass.

L3Harris acquired Aerojet Rocketdyne's missile propulsion business before the test.

Additional ground testing is planned as the company advances toward tactical missile flight demonstration.