Ursa Major Advances Extended-Range Rocket Motor for APKWS Laser-Guided System

Ursa Major, a rising force in aerospace propulsion, has completed successful static fire tests of a new extended-range solid rocket motor designed for the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS). Developed in collaboration with BAE Systems, the motor leverages Ursa Major’s Highly Loaded Grain (HLG) propellant technology to deliver enhanced range and performance without increasing the motor’s size, a critical advancement for precision-guided munitions deployed across air, land, and sea platforms.

Compact Power for Precision Strike Missions

The APKWS system transforms standard 2.75-inch unguided rockets into laser-guided precision weapons, offering a cost-effective and low-collateral solution for tactical engagements. Ursa Major’s new motor variant maintains the original form factor while extending operational reach, a capability that could significantly expand the tactical envelope for rotary-wing aircraft, UAVs, and ground-based launchers.

For aerospace and defense engineers, this development represents a meaningful leap in propulsion efficiency. The ability to enhance range without redesigning the airframe or launch system simplifies integration and accelerates deployment timelines.

Manufacturing Innovation Meets Mission Agility

Central to Ursa Major’s approach is its Lynx Manufacturing System, a software-enabled, additive manufacturing production line designed to scale solid rocket motor (SRM) output without the bottlenecks of legacy processes. This flexible architecture allows the same production systems to support multiple missile platforms, streamlining logistics and reducing costs across the defense industrial base.

The successful static fire tests pave the way for a flight demonstration scheduled for fall 2025, underscoring Ursa Major’s rapid development cycle and its commitment to delivering mission-ready propulsion systems.

Strategic Relevance for Aerospace Stakeholders

As global defense priorities shift toward agility, precision, and distributed lethality, propulsion systems like Ursa Major’s extended-range motor become increasingly relevant. The APKWS kit, already in use by U.S. forces and allied militaries through Foreign Military Sales, has demonstrated over 93 percent hit accuracy in combat scenarios. Enhancing its range without altering its launch profile could unlock new mission sets, particularly in contested environments where standoff capability is essential.

Moreover, Ursa Major’s additive manufacturing strategy reflects a broader trend in aerospace: the move toward digital, scalable production that can respond to urgent operational needs. For aerospace contractors and integrators, this model offers a blueprint for modernizing legacy systems without sacrificing reliability or performance.

Ursa Major’s propulsion innovations are not limited to APKWS. The company is actively developing SRMs across multiple diameters and domains, including hypersonics and in-space propulsion. With its headquarters in Berthoud, Colorado, and manufacturing operations in Youngstown, Ohio, Ursa Major is positioning itself as a key player in revitalizing the U.S. defense industrial base.

As the aerospace sector continues to prioritize speed, adaptability, and precision, expect Ursa Major’s technologies to play a growing role in shaping the future of tactical propulsion.