Hypersonics

Overview

Under numerous government contracts and its own investments, L3Harris has continued to improve the aerothermal performance, affordability, scalability and rapid manufacturability of scramjet engines to meet emerging needs for hypersonic missile and aircraft applications.

L3Harris is also a leader in solid propellant boost motor development for weapon systems. Having been the provider of the solid boost motors that powered the X-51A to hypersonic flight success, L3Harris is developing the next generation of mission critical propellants, lightweight and robust motor cases, and improved affordability that will enable U.S. crucial hypersonic boost-cruise and boost-glide missiles for our customers.

L3Harris is also using its extensive historical expertise in energetic materials development to craft new warhead concepts. These warhead designs adapt the high kinetic energy of hypersonic delivery systems with unique technology to enhance the focused and selective effectiveness of new energetic materials to best meet variable mission needs.

Media Gallery

Advancing Hypersonics –Aerojet Rocketdyne’s Scramjet Engine Makes Hypersonics History

Aerojet Rocketdyne successfully completes tests of subscale OpFires propulsion system

Aerojet Rocketdyne completes a successful series of hot-fire tests of an advanced air-breathing hypersonic engine

OpFires' variable-range second-stage motor

An artist's rendition of an X-51A WaveRider

What is Hypersonics

Dec. 3, 2019 - Aerojet Rocketdyne, prior to being acquired by L3Harris, successfully completes tests of subscale OpFires propulsion system as part of a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) effort to develop a ground-launched hypersonic missile for tactical use.

L3Harris completes a successful series of hot-fire tests of an advanced air-breathing hypersonic engine under the USAF’s MSCC program. Some of the camera titling has been removed for a clearer image.

OpFires' variable-range second-stage motor enables payloads to defeat targets across the medium-range spectrum. Its launcher assembly loads onto fielded transportation vehicles with the push of a button. (Lockheed Martin Artist Concept)

Hypersonics GDE-2

An artist's rendition of an X-51A WaveRider (in white) attached to the wing of a B-52.

Resources

Advanced Hypersonic Propulsion Data Sheet

Featured News

Press release | 09. 26. 2024

L3Harris to Provide Propulsion for Hypersonic Defense System

L3Harris Technologies will provide two key propulsion systems to Northrop Grumman to support the Missile Defense Agency’s Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI) program, a defensive weapon intended to defeat hypersonic glide vehicles.