General Dynamics Tests New HIMARS Rocket Motor for Enhanced Firepower

General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (GDOTS) has completed the first firing test of the US Army’s 4.75-inch (12-centimeter) solid rocket motor, marking a significant milestone in advancing the service’s long-range precision fires capabilities.

Tested at GDOTS’ Camden, Arkansas, facility, the engine delivered performance results within one percent of predicted values, according to the manufacturer.

“This successful test reflects the strong partnership between GDOTS and the US Army,” senior vice president and general manager at GDOTS Chris Haynes said.

“We are proud to help showcase multi-domain concepts, demonstrate advanced capabilities, and test future concepts for our warfighters.”

Part of wider efforts to advance future combat capabilities through close industry-military cooperation, the initiative aims to provide affordable precision massed fires and increase magazine depth for US forces.

To Enhance Long-Range Capabilities

Developed by the US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation & Missile Center, the 4.75-inch form factor is designed to substantially increase the launcher’s loadout capacity.

GDOTS has not disclosed the enhancement’s scope. However, a comparable effort by Anduril is claimed to increase loadout capacity fivefold — enabling 30 guided rockets in a single High Mobility Artillery Rocket System pod, up from the current six.

The two efforts are intended to introduce new players to the rocket motor industry, which includes L3Harris’ Aerojet Rocketdyne, Northrop Grumman, and Nammo.

General Dynamics, Lockheed Partnership

The US ramp-up in missile production since the start of the war in Ukraine has created a shortage of solid rocket motors.

To help bridge the supply gap, GDOTS partnered with Lockheed Martin in 2024 to produce the motors.

The initial work is focused on producing motors for the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System, HIMARS munition, followed by a phased transition to other products.

“Maintaining a robust and diverse supply chain for solid rocket motors is critical to advancing our 21st Century Security vision for a stronger, more resilient defense industrial base that keeps our customers around the globe ahead of emerging threats,” president of Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, Tim Cahill, said in August 2024.

“This agreement enables Lockheed Martin and General Dynamics to ramp production of in-demand solutions more quickly going forward.”