Firehawk Aerospace, a U.S.-based developer of energetic systems for military applications, has been selected by AFWERX, the innovation division of the United States Air Force, for a Phase II award under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. The contract, valued at $1.25 million, is intended to advance the development of additively manufactured solid propellants for air-to-air weapon systems.
At the core of the project is the additive manufacturing of propellants — an approach that could significantly alter how solid rocket motors are designed and produced. As part of the funding, Firehawk is investigating several aspects of its method, including the optimization of propellant formulations, validation through subscale motors, and full-scale static fire testing. These efforts are supported by comprehensive lifecycle cost assessments and performance evaluations. The goal is to develop propulsion systems that are both shelf-stable and rapidly deployable.
“Our team is excited to further demonstrate the superior performance, scalability and affordability of our propellant solutions for air-to-air weapon systems,” said Mike Stark, President of Firehawk Aerospace.
The use of additive manufacturing technologies enables Firehawk to reduce the logistical burden of propulsion systems, extend storage life, and allow for rapid activation in challenging operational environments.
Through the SBIR program, AFWERX specifically supports technologies that aim to expand the operational capabilities of U.S. armed forces. Its collaboration with companies like Firehawk Aerospace is intended to help ensure a secure, domestically controlled supply of critical energetic materials over the long term.
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