In a significant stride toward enhancing the United States’ hypersonic capabilities, the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has awarded a $28.6 million contract to Ursa Major, a Colorado-based aerospace company specializing in rocket propulsion systems. This contract aims to advance the development of storable liquid rocket engines, culminating in a tactical flight demonstration of Ursa Major’s Draper engine system.
The Draper engine represents a notable advancement in rocket propulsion technology. It is a 4,000-pound-thrust closed catalyst cycle propulsion system that utilizes non-cryogenic fuels, specifically a hydrogen peroxide and kerosene combination. This choice of propellant allows for extended storage and rapid deployment, addressing the need for quick-launch capabilities in hypersonic applications .
Drawing from the technology of Ursa Major’s flight-proven Hadley engine, Draper offers the storability of solid motors combined with the throttle control and range of liquid systems. This hybrid approach enables the engine to simulate hypersonic threats effectively while meeting the Air Force’s demand for rapid, scalable production .
Ursa Major conducted its first hot-fire test of the Draper engine in May 2024 and has since completed over 200 test firings. These rigorous tests have been instrumental in validating the engine’s performance and reliability. The upcoming tactical flight demonstration will mark Draper’s first flight, serving as a critical milestone in its development .
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The company’s CEO, Dan Jablonsky, emphasized the significance of this demonstration, stating, “Under this contract, Ursa Major serves as the lead integrator for a tactical flight demonstrator that will prove the ability to use a storable liquid rocket system for hypersonic applications” .
The development of the Draper engine aligns with the U.S. military’s strategic focus on countering emerging hypersonic threats. Hypersonic weapons, capable of traveling at speeds exceeding Mach 5, pose significant challenges to existing defense systems. The Draper’s architecture supports maneuverability, range, and responsiveness—capabilities vital to addressing these threats .
Furthermore, the engine’s storable liquid propellant allows for extended storage without the need for complex cooling systems, facilitating rapid deployment. This feature is particularly advantageous for tactical scenarios requiring immediate response.
Ursa Major employs advanced additive manufacturing techniques across its facilities, including a dedicated production center in Youngstown, Ohio. This approach enables the company to produce complex engine components with high precision and efficiency, reducing production timelines and costs .
The company’s commitment to scalable production is evident in its ability to manufacture engines at a fraction of the cost of traditional systems. Jablonsky highlighted this advantage, noting that storable liquid rocket engines like Draper are “uniquely positioned to deliver to the warfighter a hypersonic capability that is manufacturable at scale and at a fraction of the cost of alternatives” .
The AFRL’s $28.6 million contract with Ursa Major marks a pivotal step in advancing the United States’ hypersonic propulsion capabilities. The development and upcoming flight demonstration of the Draper engine underscore the importance of innovative, cost-effective solutions in maintaining a strategic edge in modern defense. As hypersonic threats continue to evolve, technologies like Draper will play a crucial role in ensuring national security and operational readiness.
