Ursa Major to build Draper engine to test hypersonic technology

The U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory has signed a contract with Ursa Major to design and manufacture a propulsion system for testing hypersonic technology, including weapons and countermeasures. The Colorado-based company already has a hypersonic launcher in its arsenal. It is being certified by the Pentagon.

Here's What We Know

Ursa Major has developed a propulsion system called the Hadley. It is designed for hypersonic launches and has a thrust of 5,000 pounds (2,268 kg). The engine has been handed over to the US Department of Defense and is undergoing certification under a contract that was awarded to the Air Force last August.

The new propulsion system will be called Draper. Ursa Major will use developments from the Hadley project. The new engine will also use liquid fuel, but not oxygen and paraffin, but hydrogen peroxide. This will ensure safe operation from more locations.

The cost of the Draper development was not specified. The company and the Pentagon have decided not to disclose the amount of the contract. What is known, however, is that Ursa Major will build a test rig and the first firing tests will take place within a year.

Liquid-propellant engines have better performance than solid-propellant engines. However, they are more difficult to store. Ursa Major is approaching an ideal balance of the two technologies. Draper as a liquid engine will support high speeds, long distances and manoeuvrable flights. At the same time, it will be reasonably safe. It's also worth noting that the company is using additive manufacturing (3D printing) to cut costs.

This combination will be crucial for the US military, which is developing aerial targets that can simulate threats. This includes Russian hypersonic missiles, Chinese cruise missiles and North Korean and Iranian ballistic missiles.

Ursa Major has already contracted with Stratolaunch to conduct the first-ever private hypersonic launch in the US. It will take place at the end of this year. For this purpose, Stratolaunch has developed a special test rig that resembles a cruise missile. It is designed to test the electronics. Ursa Major has created an engine for it that will allow it to reach hypersonic speeds.

Source: Defence News