Arthur McMiler 
- The three-year contract advances L3Harris into the second phase of the Army’s counter-sUAS program
- The program’s second phase covers flight performance testing
- The interceptor uses ramjet propulsion and is designed to launch from platforms the military already fields
L3Harris Technologies has secured a contract worth up to $60 million to develop an extended-range interceptor for the Army’s Xtended Range Counter-sUAS Missile program.
The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation & Missile Center awarded the three-year deal, which the Melbourne, Florida-based company announced Friday. The award advances L3Harris into the program’s second phase, where it will put a fully integrated interceptor through flight performance testing.
What Will the Army’s New Interceptor Counter?
The missile is being geared to defeat small and midsize unmanned aircraft systems, along with conventional short-range air defense threats. L3Harris said it is adapting the weapon to fit launchers the military already fields so it can be added quickly to today’s operational architectures. The company said the effort takes a new approach to air-breathing ramjet propulsion to improve fuel efficiency and extend engagement distance.
Scott Alexander, president of propulsion systems in L3Harris’ Missile Solutions business, said the company is drawing on its guidance, propulsion and manufacturing expertise to meet the Army’s changing mission needs. He said the interceptor pairs new propulsion with advanced seekers in a “highly capable, modular and cost-effective” package that can launch from existing platforms.
How Does the Contract Fit With Other L3Harris’ Work?
The contract adds to a string of recent propulsion work at L3Harris. The company recently received an undefinitized Lockheed Martin contract valued at more than $6 billion. Over seven years, it will increase Terminal High Altitude Area Defense propulsion output, including by building a new plant for solid rocket boost motors.
Earlier in October, L3Harris opened its Arsenal of Freedom solid rocket motor facility in Camden, Arkansas. The facility was built under a $216 million Defense Production Act Title III cooperative agreement and is expected to double capacity for Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System motors.
L3Harris has also been working on counter-drone technology. It recently integrated its Falcon IV radios and Wraith waveform into Skydio’s X10D drone. An add-on Wraith Shield waveform lets the system detect and neutralize hostile drones.
