X-Bow Systems, a maker of solid rocket motors that uses additive manufacturing, has agreed with Leidos to develop and build boosters for the US Army's Low-Cost Containerized Munition (LCCM) programme. The programme sits under the "Arsenal of Freedom" initiative to rebuild the US defence industrial base. X-Bow says it has already produced more than 2,100 combat-ready motors.
Key facts
Partner is Leidos, programme is the US Army LCCM
X-Bow was founded in 2016
More than 2,100 combat-ready motors produced so far
New designs built in days, per X-Bow
Context A solid rocket motor (SRM) holds its propellant as a solid block inside the casing, so it needs no pumps or liquid fuel handling.
What was agreed?
X-Bow Systems will develop and build rocket boosters with Leidos for the LCCM, one of the programmes under the Department of War's "Arsenal of Freedom" initiative. X-Bow CEO Jason Hundley said the aim is to turn out combat-ready motors at production scale, fast.
Why additive manufacturing?
The source says conventional methods keep several advantages, but printing suits the complex geometries some motors need. It also speeds iteration: X-Bow says it can build new designs in days, where traditional defence contractors need months or years. Founded in 2016, the company reports more than 2,100 combat-ready motors.
What it means
The deal shows additive manufacturing moving into volume munition supply, where design iteration speed and unit cost count more than part perfection. For European SMEs, the signal is that demand for qualified AM propulsion and defence parts is growing, but access depends on prime contractors and certification. X-Bow was already named in AddiWire's report on funded AM suppliers; this contract adds a production programme to that picture.
The Low-Cost Containerized Munition is a US Army programme under the Department of War's "Arsenal of Freedom" initiative, which aims to rebuild the US defence industrial base.
What will X-Bow supply?
X-Bow will develop and build rocket boosters for the LCCM together with Leidos.