The Affordable Rapid Missile Demonstrator (ARMD) moved into supersonic territory during a recent flight trial, thanks to a rapidly developed liquid rocket engine.
The demonstrator used Ursa Major’s Draper propulsion system in the test, highlighting its role in validating new engine technology for future missile applications.
Company officials said the flight-ready engine was completed in just eight months, positioning the effort as an innovative step “toward a cost-effective, mass-producible deterrent.”
The project, backed by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), reportedly signals tighter collaboration between government and industry to accelerate development timelines.
“ARMD represents a key milestone in our efforts to develop revolutionary, affordable, and scalable liquid rocket engine technologies to win the wars of tomorrow,” AFRL Rocket Propulsion Division Chief Dr. Javier Urzay said.
Building on Proven Tech
The Draper engine builds on Ursa Major’’s existing propulsion work, including its Hadley off-the-shelf liquid rocket engine.
The company is contracted to conduct additional flights and collect performance data for the US Air Force as development continues.
Unlike solid rocket motors, liquid engines can offer improved fuel efficiency and the ability to throttle or restart during flight, providing greater operational flexibility.
They also allow for more precise control of thrust, which can support a wider range of mission profiles.
“This flight proves that you can get a vehicle with a safe, storable and throttleable liquid engine in the air quickly and affordably,” Ursa Major Chief Executive Officer Chris Spagnoletti stated.
