L3Harris Technologies has announced the successful completion of an advanced propulsion test developed as a potential solution for the U.S. Army’s PrSM Increment 4 program.
L3Harris Technologies said it has successfully tested a next-generation propulsion system aimed at the U.S. Army’s Precision Strike Missile Increment 4 program, known as PrSM Increment 4. The trial was carried out at the company’s facilities in Orange County, Virginia.
According to the company, the test confirmed the successful transition between the initial boost provided by a solid-fuel rocket motor and the operation of a ramjet engine, which is responsible for delivering the payload to the target. This type of configuration is being studied to expand the range and speed of future missile systems.
The project is part of the development of a next-generation missile system designed to deliver precision effects at extended ranges. One of the points highlighted by L3Harris is the possibility of launching it from platforms already in use, such as HIMARS and the M270 MLRS system.
Scott Alexander, president of Missile Propulsion at L3Harris Missile Solutions, said that the rapid advancement of the system, from ground testing to the flight-test stage, demonstrates the company’s ability to meet U.S. Army requirements. According to him, the solution seeks to balance capability and cost while meeting demands for speed, range and lethality.
Lockheed Martin, which is also taking part in the program, observed the test. Randy Crites, the company’s vice president of Advanced Programs, said the trial, called the Direct Connect Transition Test, shows that the missile’s core propulsion is already a validated capability, and not merely a future concept.
Representatives from Lockheed Martin and the Army Aviation and Missile Center were present during the final transition test. L3Harris’ Orange County site covers more than 2,000 acres and includes 256,000 square feet of manufacturing space, as well as static test facilities, an aerothermal propulsion laboratory and an altitude test facility.
According to the company, L3Harris has been investing internal resources over the past two years to mature its propulsion technology, with the goal of accelerating the delivery of defense solutions at scale.
Source and images: L3Harris Technologies. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
