General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (GDOTS) has successfully completed the first firing test of the U.S. Army’s 4.75-inch (12-centimeter) solid rocket motor. This milestone is pivotal in enhancing the Army’s long-range precision fire capabilities. The test, conducted at GDOTS’ Camden, Arkansas facility, yielded performance results that were impressively within one percent of the predicted values.
Chris Haynes, senior vice president and general manager at GDOTS, expressed pride in the results, highlighting the strong partnership with the U.S. Army. “This successful test reflects the strong partnership between GDOTS and the US Army,” he stated. Haynes emphasized that the initiative showcases multi-domain concepts and advanced capabilities, reaffirming GDOTS’s commitment to developing future solutions for warfighters.
This development is part of broader efforts to enhance combat capabilities through close collaboration between the military and industry. The initiative aims to deliver affordable precision mass fires and expand magazine depth for U.S. forces. The 4.75-inch rocket motor was developed by the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation & Missile Center and is designed to significantly increase the loadout capacity of launchers.
While GDOTS has not provided specific details regarding the enhancements, a similar initiative by Anduril reportedly aims to quintuple loadout capacity. This would allow a single High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) pod to carry 30 guided rockets, up from the current six.
These advancements seek to introduce new players into the rocket motor industry, which currently includes established companies like L3Harris’ Aerojet Rocketdyne, Northrop Grumman, and Nammo. The push for increased missile production has been intensified by the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has highlighted existing shortages in solid rocket motors.
In response to this supply gap, GDOTS forged a partnership with Lockheed Martin in 2024 aimed at increasing production capabilities for solid rocket motors. The initial phase of this collaboration is focused on producing motors for the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) munitions, with plans for a gradual expansion to other products.
Tim Cahill, president of Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, underscored the importance of maintaining a diverse supply chain for solid rocket motors in supporting a resilient defense industrial base. This partnership between Lockheed Martin and General Dynamics is expected to accelerate the production of essential solutions, ensuring that stakeholders remain ahead of emerging threats.
