Ursa Major Technologies, a leading developer of rocket propulsion systems, has secured a substantial contract valued at $32.9 million. The contract is with Stratolaunch, a prominent player in the aerospace industry, and involves the delivery of 16 advanced propulsion systems. These systems are earmarked for use in Stratolaunch's ambitious hypersonic flight test program.
Specifically, the contract calls for the delivery of the upgraded Hadley H13 engine, a variant designed for enhanced reusability. "This contract directly supports U.S. hypersonic test infrastructure and the broader imperative to accelerate high-speed flight programs," stated Ursa Major CEO Dan Jablonsky. The H13 represents a significant leap forward, promising increased operational efficiency.
Chris Spagnoletti, president of liquid systems at Ursa Major, elaborated on the H13's capabilities: "This version increases engine reusability with additional starts, driving down cost per flight while supporting new test objectives and mission profiles." He highlighted the use of advanced metals, enabling the engine to undertake more than twice the number of missions compared to its predecessor. The Hadley engine, already a proven performer in multiple Talon-A missions, generates 5,000 pounds of thrust and employs a sophisticated oxygen-rich staged combustion cycle, a technology typically found in larger orbital-class engines.
Stratolaunch, based in California, is actively involved in the U.S. Department of Defense's efforts to accelerate hypersonic flight testing, utilizing its Talon-A vehicle as a key test platform. The Talon-A's air-launched capability, from the world’s largest aircraft by wingspan, allows it to reach speeds exceeding Mach 5. The high cost and complexity of hypersonic testing make reusable platforms like Talon-A increasingly valuable assets.