Raytheon, a business unit of RTX (NYSE:RTX), has secured a phase two contract from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to continue development of composable solid rocket motor technology under the Burn n’ Go program.
New propulsion system designed for flexible mission requirements
The project is focused on developing rocket motors capable of dynamically adjusting thrust during operation to support multiple mission profiles, replacing conventional single-purpose motor designs.
Raytheon is working alongside Northrop Grumman and Luna Innovations as part of the program.
Phase two follows successful feasibility work
The latest award follows a seven-month phase one effort during which the team demonstrated the technical feasibility of the propulsion concept.
Under the phase two agreement, Raytheon’s Advanced Technology division will continue refining and scaling the system before moving into demonstrations using realistic rocket motor configurations.
Raytheon highlights industry production bottlenecks
“Solid rocket motor production has become a critical bottleneck for many missile programs,” said Colin Whelan, president of Advanced Technology at Raytheon. “By pursuing a composable approach to how these motors are designed and built, we’re helping lay the groundwork for faster, more adaptable munitions production across multiple mission sets.”
Partners contribute manufacturing and materials expertise
Raytheon is serving as the prime contractor on the project, while Northrop Grumman’s Allegany Ballistic Laboratory is contributing expertise in solid rocket motor design and manufacturing.
Luna Innovations is supporting the effort through advanced materials development capabilities.
Program supports broader weapons modernization strategy
The development effort aligns with Raytheon’s wider strategy around composable weapons systems, which aims to shorten development timelines, reduce production costs and accelerate missile deployment.
The adaptable motor technology is intended to support a broader variety of weapons platforms and mission requirements using a common propulsion architecture.