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Air Force's ARMD Program Achieves First Flight

March 18, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

Air Force's ARMD program achieves first flight in under a year.
Ursa Major's Draper storable liquid engine enables non-cryogenic storage.
Program aims to mature advanced liquid-rocket engines for hypersonics.
Ursa Major served as prime contractor, leading the effort.

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Strategic Implications

The ARMD program's success may indicate a shift in the Air Force's approach to hypersonic development, prioritizing speed and affordability. Ursa Major's storable liquid engine could suggest a new path for hypersonic propulsion, potentially disrupting traditional approaches. This development may signal a growing role for smaller, agile companies in the defense industry.

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What Happened

Ursa Major Leads Rapid Hypersonic Demonstrator Development

The Air Force’s Affordable Rapid Missile Demonstrator (ARMD) program has successfully achieved its first flight, marking a significant milestone in the development of hypersonic capabilities. Ursa Major’s Draper storable liquid engine played a central role in the program, enabling non-cryogenic storage and powered, throttleable flight profiles. According to Katrina Hornstein, program manager at Ursa Major, the company’s approach to the project was designed to be rapid and affordable, with a focus on achieving first flight in under a year. The program’s success was reported by Breaking Defense.

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