Firehawk Achieves Successful Test of Hydra-70 Rockets for U.S. Army

Key Takeaways

Firehawk achieved a 100 percent success rate by firing six Hydra-70 rockets at Yuma Proving Ground.
The U.S. Army awarded multiple contracts for Hydra-70 prototypes to diversify the supply chain.
Firehawk aims to enhance production capacity and reduce risks through proactive testing ahead of contractual milestones.

Success in Live-Fire Testing

Firehawk successfully completed a live-fire test by launching six Hydra-70 rockets at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona. This achievement, announced on Friday, ensured a 100 percent success rate and marks a significant milestone for the company. The rockets were assembled at Firehawk’s facility in Crawford, Mississippi, and were fired from an M261 rocket launcher commonly used with the Hydra-70 system on various military aircraft, including the AH-64 Apache and UH-60 Black Hawk.

This successful test came shortly after the U.S. Army awarded Firehawk an Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreement as part of a strategy to broaden the Hydra-70 supply chain. The live-fire test focused on collecting ballistic flight-test data essential for First Article Inspection and Lot Acceptance Testing. Gathering this crucial data early reduces the technical and scheduling risks associated with the Army agreement and future production contracts.

Strategic Partnerships and Production Goals

The Army’s Aviation Rocket and Small Guided Munitions Product Office initiated the competitive agreements through the One Nation Innovation marketplace. Firehawk, along with three other defense contractors, is tasked with delivering 24 prototype Hydra-70 rockets within 18 months, along with an updated Technical Data Package.

This acquisition strategy aims to establish multiple viable production sources, promoting competitive pricing and enhancing manufacturability. The Army seeks to increase production capacity to meet emergent mission requirements effectively.

Firehawk’s co-founder and CEO, Will Edwards, emphasized the importance of this test, stating, “Going six-for-six is an important validation of both the product and the manufacturing approach behind it.” He further noted that by investing in risk reduction ahead of deadlines, Firehawk is positioning itself to expedite production and support America’s defense needs.

Future Plans and Facilities

Firehawk continues to expand its capabilities by designing products at its headquarters in Dallas and developing a 340-acre production facility in Lawton, Oklahoma. The company also operates a DCMA-rated integration facility in Crawford, Mississippi, and conducts testing at sites in West Texas, which include a robust 30-square-mile launch range.

As the need for increased production capacity rises, Edwards underlined the urgency for modern manufacturing approaches. He stated, “That is how we start building America’s arsenal faster,” reinforcing Firehawk’s commitment to meeting defense demands through innovative manufacturing practices.

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