X-Bow Systems Inc., a non-traditional manufacturer of advanced solid rocket motors and sub-orbital launch systems, has secured a $12.2 million contract with AEVEX Aerospace to produce rocket-assisted take-off (RATO) kits for AEVEX’s Disruptor drone.
Under the agreement, X-Bow will deliver hundreds of RATO kits and thousands of solid rocket motors (SRMs) and components between March and August 2026. The rapid timeline highlights the company’s ability to move from contract award to operational deployment within months—an increasingly critical capability in modern defense environments.
X-Bow’s RATO system—short for Rapidly Assembled Tactical Option for Rocket-Assisted Takeoff—combines solid rocket motors with launch cradles, enabling drones to operate from unprepared terrain and confined spaces. This significantly enhances operational flexibility, particularly in contested or remote environments where traditional runways are unavailable.
The contract also marks the first large-scale deployment of X-Bow’s patented Additive Manufactured Solid Propellant (AMSP) in SRMs. This technology represents a notable advancement in propulsion, offering improved performance and cost efficiency compared to conventional propellants.
The award builds on a strong growth period for X-Bow, which has secured $212 million in contracts over the past six months. Its agile manufacturing model and proprietary processes allow for faster development and delivery cycles than traditional defense contractors, reducing timelines from years to months.
As demand for versatile drone capabilities continues to rise globally, technologies like RATO systems are becoming increasingly important. They enable expanded deployment options while potentially increasing payload capacity and operational range.
Looking ahead, X-Bow plans to broaden its portfolio to address emerging defense priorities, including hypersonic propulsion, advanced missile defense systems, and sub-orbital launch capabilities. The company is also scaling up production capacity to meet growing demand for critical munitions and propulsion technologies.
Source: X-Bow Systems