Raytheon Missiles & Defense, a Raytheon Technologies business, has completed a Series A investment in Firehawk Aerospace, a company that specializes in high-performance propulsion technology. The two companies will now collaborate on research and development projects that explore the integration of Firehawk’s technology into future missile systems. Firehawk has several patents related to hybrid propulsion, various rocket propellants, and manufacturing methods. A Firehawk rocket engine is composed of only 20 components, enhancing the safety of the engine. This simplicity improves performance, mitigates risks, and cuts costs.
“Our custom-made rocket engines use hybrid propulsion systems rather than conventional solids,” said Will Edwards, co-founder and chief executive officer of Firehawk. “Applying these technologies to defense solutions will open up new capabilities against advanced threats.”
“Advanced propulsion technology is critical to developing next-generation missile solutions,” said Wes Kremer, president of Raytheon Missiles & Defense. “Over the next several years, our companies will work together to identify projects that evolve Firehawk’s technology for use in defense applications.”
Firehawk Aerospace is providing customizable propulsion systems to make the future of space transportation safer and more accessible. The funds will be used to test Firehawk’s engine at operational scale, grow its partnerships with leading government and commercial entities around the world, and expand its research and manufacturing facilities to Texas and Oklahoma. Firehawk Aerospace was hand-picked among thousands of applicants to participate in Startup Battlefield, the world’s preeminent startup competition, at TechCrunch Disrupt 2020.
Raytheon Technologies Corporation is an aerospace and defense company that provides advanced systems and services for commercial, military and government customers worldwide. With four industry-leading businesses ? Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, Raytheon Intelligence & Space and Raytheon Missiles & Defense ? the company delivers solutions that push the boundaries in avionics, cybersecurity, directed energy, electric propulsion, hypersonics, and quantum physics. The company, formed in 2020 through the combination of Raytheon Company and the United Technologies Corporation aerospace businesses, is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts.