L3Harris Technologies has broken ground on the construction of five new solid rocket motor facilities in Virginia that will boost production to support key national defense programs. The new facilities will incorporate modular factory design, robotic flex cells, automated progressive casting, and improved handling and assembly throughout the production line.
“L3Harris’ growth in Virginia is another solid example of how we’re expanding our rocket motor manufacturing infrastructure to support the nation’s defense propulsion needs,” said Ken Bedingfield, President, Aerojet Rocketdyne, L3Harris. “Made possible through a Defense Production Act Title III cooperative agreement, this expansion will complement an existing 256,000 square feet of manufacturing space, supporting some of the most advanced propulsion research and production in the world.”
L3Harris’ site in Virginia hosts the company’s Center of Excellence for Propellant Research and Small to Medium-sized Solid Rocket Motor Production. The expansion includes a 12,000 square foot, state-of-the-art solid rocket motor cast and assembly facility, as well as a control room, facilities to support mixing and grinding operations, and upgrades to the site’s motor testing capabilities. The consolidated cast and assembly building will centralize production of a critical program under one roof, reducing the distance motors travel during manufacturing by 90%.
“L3Harris’ continued expansion in Virginia underscores the Commonwealth’s pivotal role in safeguarding our nation’s security,” said Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin. “With a world-class workforce, cutting-edge infrastructure, and a strategic East Coast location, Virginia offers the ideal environment for defense and aerospace leaders like L3Harris to grow and drive innovation for the future.”
