Lockheed Martin, Venus Aerospace team up on next-gen propulsion for long-range precision fires

Lockheed Martin and Venus Aerospace have entered a joint technology development agreement to evaluate and mature rotating detonation rocket engine technology for future long-range precision fires, aiming to speed the shift from flight demonstrations to operational systems.

The effort pairs Venus Aerospace’s flight-tested propulsion with Lockheed Martin’s experience in developing, integrating and rapidly fielding defense systems. The companies will study how the propulsion approach could enable next-generation precision fires with greater range, higher speeds and more operational flexibility.

Rotating detonation engines produce thrust using continuously traveling detonation waves rather than the subsonic combustion used in conventional rocket engines. The architecture is described as potentially more efficient and less complex, which could help systems fly farther and respond faster while aligning with affordability and scalable production priorities, including those of the Army.

Under the agreement, Lockheed Martin will evaluate the technology against operational requirements with the goal of moving it from a subsystem demonstration environment into practical missile applications. Company leaders also point to system-integration expertise and advanced manufacturing as mechanisms to accelerate the journey from laboratory development to deployable systems that can be produced at scale, while bolstering the U.S. defense industrial base through collaboration with domestic technology firms.

Venus Aerospace has already completed the first U.S. flight test of a rotating detonation rocket engine, providing a demonstration milestone for the propulsion concept.

“Lockheed Martin is focused on rapidly delivering advanced capabilities that strengthen deterrence and provide decisive advantages for the warfighter,” said Tim Cahill, president, Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “Our collaboration with Venus Aerospace allows us to evaluate a promising propulsion technology and determine how it can be integrated into future precision fires solutions. Partnerships like this help accelerate innovation, reduce risk and rapidly advance from emerging technology to operational capability.”

“Defense customers are asking for more than incremental gains from legacy propulsion,” said Sassie Duggleby, co-founder and CEO of Venus Aerospace. “Our RDRE technology offers a different propulsion architecture for systems that need more range, more speed and a realistic path to production. This agreement with Lockheed Martin moves our breakthrough closer to real precision fires applications.”