Firehawk Aerospace, a protection expertise firm specializing in superior energetics and propulsion, has been awarded a $4 million TACFI contract by AFWERX to develop prolonged vary optimization of strong rocket motors utilizing 3D printed thermoplastic-based propellant. Beneath this contract, the answer developed and sizzling fireplace examined will likely be designed with range-optimized formulations and geometries.
The contract award was made underneath the DAF’s Open Subject SBIR/STTR program. The Air Drive Analysis Laboratory and SpaceWERX, the innovation arm of the US House Drive and a novel division inside AFWERX, have partnered to streamline the SBIR and STTR course of which fosters innovation by supporting a broad spectrum of superior applied sciences and accelerates the small enterprise expertise via quicker proposal to award timelines, expands the pool of potential candidates and eliminates bureaucratic overhead by regularly implementing course of enchancment modifications in contract execution.
Firehawk’s resolution leverages its additive manufacturing methods to allow safer, extra versatile, and higher-performing rocket propulsion programs, contributing to the way forward for tactical and strategic protection purposes. This delivers vital benefits in operational flexibility and provide chain resilience, that are key priorities for warfighters and trade companions alike.
“Firehawk is difficult a long time of conventional propulsion expertise, whereas delivering efficiency that redefines what’s attainable,” mentioned Will Edwards, Co-founder and CEO of Firehawk Aerospace. “This award is testomony to our dedication to ship propulsion programs that carry out underneath strain, adapt to the mission, and allow these on the entrance traces to execute with confidence. We’re constructing for the operational realities our forces face at present and those who lie forward, to offer our warfighters the sting.”
