Firehawk Aerospace Secures $4.9 Million Contract from U.S. Air Force to Enhance Hybrid Rocket Engine Technology, Announces New Testing Site
On June 2nd, Firehawk Aerospace, a prominent developer and manufacturer of advanced energetics systems for defense applications, was awarded a two-year, firm-fixed contract valued at $4.9 million by the U.S. Air Force Test Center. The contract aims to support the Air Force Research Laboratory's (AFRL) initiatives aimed at accelerating the development of next-generation hybrid rocket engines. These initiatives encompass solid and liquid rocket motor components, manufacturing processes, and modeling and simulation tools for both strategic and tactical missiles.
Firehawk will work with AFRL to test their 3D-printed propellant and hybrid rocket motor, ultimately building towards a 10,000-pound thrust motor. "Innovative, agile, and cost-effective propulsion is critical to maintaining the technological American advantage in the face of evolving threats," stated Michael Stark, President of Firehawk Aerospace. "Our transformative approach to propellant production will bring scalable, adaptable, and high-performance systems to AFRL that will shape the future of defense."
To date, Firehawk has successfully completed 58 hot fire tests for both hybrid and solid rocket motors, as well as one hybrid flight test. Firehawk, which began operations in 2019, is revolutionizing the development, production, and deployment of solid rocket motors. The transition from multi-week to just-hours-long production cycles, combined with a mobile manufacturing approach, significantly enhances force sustainment by enabling rapid global deployment in contested or remote environments, thereby ensuring a resilient, U.S.-controlled supply of critical energetics.
The contract award follows last week’s unveiling of plans to invest $45 million in a new rocket fuel facility near Fort Sill in Lawton, Oklahoma, a move which is expected to bring 100 new jobs and innovative rocket fuel production to the state. The initiative includes the transfer of 320 acres of strategically located land near Fort Sill, along with a $22 million state and federal funding package for the construction of a new 40,000-square-foot manufacturing facility, test infrastructure, and specialized manufacturing equipment. Firehawk, currently headquartered in Addison, Texas, was originally founded in Oklahoma.
This initiative signifies a major progression in critical defense technology infrastructure, facilitating the transition of next-generation energetics from research and development to full-scale production. Additionally, the investment for the manufacturing facility is anticipated to provide capabilities typically associated with extensive government programs at a significantly reduced cost. Groundbreaking for the new location is scheduled for the summer of 2025, with operations expected to commence in 2026. Firehawk aims to increase the U.S. supply of critical energetics and support the quick restoration of the nation's arsenal in response to potential threats.
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt emphasized the importance of this rocket fuel for national defense. Stitt noted that businesses, such as Firehawk, are attracted to Oklahoma for its business-friendly environment, efficient permitting process, skilled workforce, and proximity to military bases. The new facility will be funded by existing Department of Defense resources without additional taxpayer dollars.
Earlier this year, Firehawk extended its relationship with Midland Development Corp. (MDS), signing a two-year lease agreement for 18.69 acres of MDC-owned land north of State Highway 191 and west of Midland, doubling the size of the company’s current test site. Firehawk is using the additional space for testing its hybrid rocket engine that utilizes the company’s solid-state 3D printed fuel.
“We have millions of research and development contracts to test our hybrid rocket engines. There are exciting opportunities we’re doing with the government,” Firehawk cofounder and CEO, Will Edwards, remarked. According to Edwards, new opportunities have been opened up through Firehawk’s strategic partnership with Fairlead, a provider of marine systems integration and mission module solutions.
Firehawk’s most recent $60 million Series C funding round in January 2025 was led by 1789 Capital, which recently named Donald Trump Jr as a Partner. Other investors included: What if Ventures, BOKA Group, and Draper Associates. The company has raised approximately $88.3 million in total funding to date.
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