X-Bow Systems demonstrates calability of solid rocket motor production with Bolt Rocket

X-Bow Systems demonstrates calability of solid rocket motor production with Bolt Rocket
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Oct 23, 2024

X-Bow Systems Inc. (X-Bow), a leading provider of advanced manufactured solid rocket motors (SRMs) and defense technologies, has successfully completed the third flight of its Bolt Rocket. This launch featured the XB-32 motor, the largest Advanced Manufactured Solid Propellant (AMSP) motor flown to date, utilizing X-Bow's patented manufacturing technology. This milestone confirms the scalability and manufacturability of X-Bow's approach, demonstrating the potential for affordable, large-scale SRM production.

The mission, called Commercial Mission-1 (CM-1), gathered essential data for pre- and post-flight analysis, further validating the motor's performance. It also confirmed X-Bow's capability to predict SRM characteristics with precision. The Bolt rocket family, entirely designed, developed, and operated by X-Bow, will continue to be flown in future missions, with the company partnering with Los Alamos National Labs.

Supported by the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), US Army Space and Missile Defense Command, and other partners such as Redwire, New Mexico Tech, DARPA, and Air Force Research Labs, this mission offers new SRM manufacturing options for both commercial and defense sectors. X-Bow's innovative digital-twin technology and modular SRM design provide greater flexibility, allowing tailored performance for specific mission requirements. This marks a significant step forward for the industry, often constrained by capacity and development limitations.

Jason Hundley, CEO of X-Bow, stated: "This successful launch validates our commitment to advanced manufacturing of energetics. Unlike traditional methods, X-Bow's patented technology allows us to design, produce, and test SRMs with unprecedented speed, precision and scalability.

"Today's flight test used 10-20 tactical SRMs worth of propellant, all manufactured here in New Mexico through our partnership with New Mexico Tech's Energetics Material Research Test Center.

"We have seen how the Cold War-era model of development, production, and stockpiling-coupled with over-consolidation in the industrial base-has left the U.S. and its allies unprepared for the demands of rapid scaling, production, and innovation.

"At X-Bow, we're addressing this by building the nation's second-largest SRM factory, completing it in a fraction of the time and cost compared to traditional capabilities. We are the only company today, with a flight-validated manufacturing process, adding significant new capacity for SRM production for the U.S. and its allies."

X-Bow's work in the field of SRM manufacturing is transforming the industry by offering unmatched flexibility and scalability, addressing the evolving needs of commercial and defense sectors.