Hypersonic Readiness Accelerates as Ursa Major Secures $28.6M USAF Integration Contract

In a pivotal move toward next-gen propulsion, the U.S. Air Force has selected Ursa Major to integrate a tactical flight demonstrator using its Draper liquid rocket engine, signaling a transformative shift in hypersonic readiness and storable propulsion systems.

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has awarded Ursa Major a $28.6 million contract to spearhead the integration of a tactical flight demonstrator powered by its storable Draper liquid rocket engine. The award underscores the growing urgency within the U.S. defense ecosystem to bridge propulsion gaps in hypersonic systems with scalable, tactically deployable solutions. What makes this initiative stand apart is the Draper engine’s unique position at the intersection of liquid propulsion performance and solid fuel-like logistics. Unlike traditional liquid systems that require extensive cryogenic support, Draper is designed to be storable and mission-ready—reducing infrastructure burdens and accelerating operational timelines.

This development represents a calculated shift in the Air Force’s strategy, favoring adaptable propulsion platforms capable of aligning with emerging hypersonic delivery concepts. The contract positions Ursa Major not merely as an engine supplier but as a systems integrator, elevating its role in shaping future tactical applications. With the Department of Defense focused on responsive launch and versatile strike capabilities, this partnership signals an intention to compress prototyping cycles and establish high-readiness propulsion options for field testing. For stakeholders in aerospace supply chains and automation systems, this could recalibrate demand dynamics and elevate interest in modular, AI-enhanced design and testing pipelines.

As global defense technology races toward faster, smarter deployment models, the Ursa Major contract illustrates how next-gen propulsion and industrial automation are converging. The tactical demonstrator not only validates Draper’s field-readiness but may also serve as a cornerstone for broader integration into hypersonic architectures. For industrial partners and defense manufacturers, now is the time to align with rapidly advancing propulsion standards that promise storable, scalable, and smart-ready capabilities.