In a significant move to enhance its capabilities in space propulsion, Raytheon has formally entered into an agreement with the solid rocket motor manufacturing firm Avio to establish a cutting-edge facility in the United States. This new plant will serve as a vertically integrated supplier, set to produce solid rocket motors (SRMs) not only for Raytheon’s projects but also for a range of other clients. As part of this agreement, Raytheon will gain preferred access to a portion of the production capacity, thereby reinforcing its supply chain for critical defense projects.
The facility aims to scale up SRM production to address the growing defense demands of the United States and its allies. Bob Butz, Vice President of Operations, Supply Chain, and Quality at Raytheon, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, “By leveraging Avio’s experience and unique capabilities in solid rocket motor propulsion development and manufacturing, we’re strengthening our capacity for critical weapon systems.”
This latest agreement is a continuation of the collaborative efforts between Raytheon and Avio, the latter being headquartered in Rome, Italy, with a US branch based in Arlington, Virginia. In September, Raytheon and Avio USA had reached a purchase order worth up to $26 million. This order supports engineering work related to the Mk 104 dual-thrust rocket motor, which is integral to Raytheon’s Standard Missile program.
In the US, Avio’s initiatives include a supplementary agreement with a military division for the manufacturing, assembly, integration, and testing of tactical missile solid rocket motors. This project builds upon fast-prototyping efforts undertaken in the past year, demonstrating a commitment to rapid development and deployment of essential military technologies.
Over in Europe, Avio is making strides in developing technologies for testing a reusable upper stage, a key component of any rocket designed to transport payloads into orbit and potentially return to Earth for re-use. This effort is backed by a 40-million-euro ($46 million) contract from the European Space Agency. The focus of this program lies in defining requirements, system design, and essential technologies needed to construct a demonstrator capable of safe return and reuse, covering both flight operations and ground-based segments.
Through this joint venture, Raytheon and Avio are poised to significantly enhance their roles in the defense and aerospace industries, ensuring they remain at the forefront of innovation in missile technology and space propulsion systems.
