Advancements in Rocket Propulsion: Anduril Industries and Raytheon Conduct Successful Static Fire Test

Overview of the Static Fire Test

On October 7, 2025, Anduril Industries, in collaboration with RTX’s Raytheon division, announced the successful completion of a static fire test of an advanced solid rocket motor. This rocket motor employs a Highly Loaded Grain (HLG) configuration, marking a pivotal advancement in propulsion technology specifically designed for air-to-air missile systems.

Test Objectives and Implications

Conducted under the auspices of the Air Force Research Laboratory Munitions Directorate, the test aimed to validate the performance capabilities of a heavy-wall solid rocket motor constructed in the HLG configuration developed by Anduril.

Key Features of the HLG Design:

• Enhanced Propellant Capacity: The HLG architecture accommodates a significantly larger volume of energetic propellant.
• Improved Performance Metrics: This configuration generates a higher specific impulse, translating into superior motor efficacy.

These enhancements promise to extend the operational range of US air-to-air missiles, thereby conferring a strategic advantage in aerial combat scenarios.

Industry Collaboration and Supply Chain Resilience

Raytheon has been actively engaged with both domestic and international partners to bolster US-based rocket motor manufacturing capabilities. This initiative responds directly to the increasing global appetite for munitions.

Strategic Benefits of the Partnership:

• Expansion of the Defense Ecosystem: By partnering with Anduril, Raytheon aims to enhance the defense technology landscape and ameliorate current deficiencies in the rocket motor supply chain.
• Robustness in National Security: Colin Whelan, President of Advanced Technology at Raytheon, emphasized that this test signifies not merely a technical success but also an essential step toward cultivating a more adaptable supply base for solid rocket motors, able to swiftly address emerging national security challenges.

Anduril’s Commitment to Industrial Capacity

For Anduril, the successful static fire test is indicative of its wider commitment to revitalizing and expanding the US solid rocket motor industrial base. In August 2025, Anduril inaugurated a full-scale solid rocket motor production facility in Mississippi, backed by over $75 million in private funding.

Facility Objectives:

• Scale and Resiliency: The new facility is designed to introduce much-needed scalability and robustness to allied solid rocket motor manufacturing.
• Innovation: It aims to promote innovation within the sector, which has traditionally been dominated by a limited number of providers.

Neil Thurgood, Senior Vice President at Anduril Industries, remarked on the complexity of designing and testing a highly loaded grain rocket motor, underscoring the capabilities of Anduril’s engineering team to deliver high-performance propulsion solutions.

Conclusion

The collaboration between Anduril Industries and Raytheon represents a significant leap forward in rocket propulsion technology. As defense professionals, it is crucial to recognize the broader implications of such advancements—not only for military capability enhancement but also for the establishment of a robust and resilient supply base that can proactively address future national security demands. The successful static fire test not only affirms the potential of HLG technology but also emphasizes the necessity of partnerships in shaping the future of defense capabilities.