Texas-based Firehawk Aerospace has successfully completed the inaugural flight test of its GMLRS-class Firehawk Analog (GFA), the first-ever 3D-printed hybrid propulsion system in a GMLRS form factor. The test reached an altitude of over 18,000 feet, breaking the speed of sound, and demonstrated directional stability and thrust performance under the Army Applications Laboratory (AAL) Phase III SBIR contract.
The company emphasized that combining hybrid propulsion with additive manufacturing offers scalable, adaptable, and cost-effective solutions for tactical systems. Firehawk plans to expand demonstrations with Javelin-class and Stinger-class analogs, designed as drop-in replacements for existing DoD solid rocket motors. Its mobile, rapid manufacturing approach could transform rocket motor production, reducing timelines from weeks to hours and ensuring resilient U.S.-controlled energetics supply.
Firehawk has already completed 58 hot fire tests and is also advancing development with U.S. Air Force contracts, including a $4.9M award to support AFRL’s next-gen hybrid engine initiatives. With additional AFWERX funding, the company is scaling shelf-stable propellant solutions, aiming to deliver innovative propulsion technologies critical for future U.S. defense needs.
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