Draper liquid rocket engine achieves supersonic speeds in flight test

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and Ursa Major have successfully completed the first flight test of the Affordable Rapid Missile Demonstrator (ARMD), powered by the Draper liquid rocket engine, achieving supersonic speeds. This milestone marks a significant advancement toward cost-effective, mass-producible missile technology designed to enhance national deterrence and enable immediate, long-range strike capabilities. Unlike traditional solid rocket motors, the Draper engine is throttleable and restartable, allowing for complex maneuvers and speed adjustments, which represents a leap forward in missile propulsion technology. The engine’s design leverages a manufacturing model based on the Hadley engine architecture, emphasizing affordability, scalability, and long-term storability without relying on expensive materials. The ARMD program exemplifies a successful public-private partnership that rapidly transitioned from contract to flight-ready status in just eight months, a notably accelerated timeline in defense development. AFRL and Ursa Major plan to continue flight tests to fully characterize the Draper engine’s performance