-

L3Harris’ New Advanced Large Solid Rocket Motors Power Successful US Missile Defense Test

MELBOURNE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) has debuted an advanced large solid rocket motor to power the company’s air-launched, Medium Range Ballistic Missile (MRBM) target vehicle.

The new L3Harris solid rocket motor, named eSR-19, was part of a recent Missile Defense Agency (MDA) test that powered the target’s first and second stages.

The test, designated as Flight Test Other-40 or Stellar Banshee, demonstrated detection and tracking of an advanced hypersonic target by the USS Pinckney. The exercise included firing a simulated upgraded Standard Missile 6 at the target, an air-launched MRBM with a Hypersonic Target Vehicle 1 front end.

“L3Harris designs, builds and integrates air-launched target missiles and then launches them from C-17 aircraft to provide realistic test trajectories,” said Ken Bedingfield, President, Aerojet Rocketdyne, L3Harris. “The enhanced capability of our new eSR-19 solid rocket motor, combined with our proven air-launch system, allows our target missile to accurately represent a wider array of potential threats, providing MDA with more flexibility in developing test scenarios.”

The eSR-19 is an upgraded version of the SR-19, which powers the second stage of the nation’s Minuteman III strategic missiles. The new advanced large solid rocket motor features a lighter filament-wound composite case and other improvements to provide enhanced performance.

The successful mission marks L3Harris’ 39th launch in support of the U.S. missile defense program.

About L3Harris Technologies

L3Harris Technologies is the Trusted Disruptor in the defense industry. With customers’ mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security. Visit L3Harris.com for more information.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that reflect management's current expectations, assumptions and estimates of future performance and economic conditions. Such statements are made in reliance upon the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results and future trends to differ materially from those matters expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. L3Harris disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Contacts

Media Contacts:
Jessica Carlton
Aerojet Rocketdyne
Jessica.Carlton@L3Harris.com
256-690-9626 

Sara Banda
Corporate
Media@L3Harris.com
321-306-8927 

L3Harris Technologies

NYSE:LHX
Details
Headquarters: Melbourne, Florida
CEO: Christopher Kubasik
Employees: ~45,000
Organization: PUB
Revenues: $21.9 billion (2025)

Release Versions

Contacts

Media Contacts:
Jessica Carlton
Aerojet Rocketdyne
Jessica.Carlton@L3Harris.com
256-690-9626 

Sara Banda
Corporate
Media@L3Harris.com
321-306-8927 

More News From L3Harris Technologies

L3Harris Announces Billion Dollar Expansion to Boost Solid Rocket Motor Production in Orange County, Virginia

ORANGE COUNTY, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX), Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger and the Orange County Board of Supervisors have announced an agreement to further expand L3Harris’ solid rocket motor production capacity at its site in Orange County with the creation of the Virginia Advanced Propulsion Facilities (VAPF). The more than $1 billion expansion project, which builds on a previously announced expansion at the Orange County site, is expected to more than double th...

L3Harris Powers First Crewed Mission Around the Moon in 50 Years

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) has successfully powered the historic launch of the Artemis II mission, providing propulsion and avionics for the first crewed journey toward the moon in more than 50 years. “Artemis II marks a new era in human space exploration with the first crewed flight of NASA’s Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft,” said Christopher Kubasik, Chairman and CEO, L3Harris. “We congratulate NASA and all our teammates on a...

L3Harris Sets Date for First Quarter 2026 Earnings Release

MELBOURNE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) will release its first quarter 2026 financial results before the market opens on Thursday, April 30, 2026. The company will then host an earnings call on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. ET. Participants are encouraged to listen via webcast at L3Harris.com. A replay of the call will also be available on L3Harris.com following the event. About L3Harris Technologies L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With c...
Back to Newsroom