NSWC IHD and X-Bow Launch Systems have entered a 20-year partnership to develop and manufacture solid propellant rocket systems for commercial and warfighter needs, strengthening the Department of Defense Industrial Base’s ability to meet solid propellant rocket motor propulsion needs.Â
The Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division (NSWC IHD) has entered into a 20-year public-private partnership (P3) agreement with X-Bow Launch Systems Inc. (X-Bow) to develop and manufacture solid propellant rocket systems for commercial and warfighter needs. The partnership will focus on meeting strict performance requirements at affordable costs, with manufacturing taking place at NSWC IHD’s industrial plant complexes. This agreement will help sustain key energetics manufacturing capabilities and strengthen the Department of Defense Industrial Base’s ability to meet solid propellant rocket motor propulsion needs. X-Bow will have access to the Navy’s expertise to qualify and mature its commercial production technology, enabling the company to meet production demands and expand its solid rocket motor production capabilities. NSWC IHD has entered into seven P3 agreements with private industry and is in discussions with several companies interested in partnering.Â
