X-Bow Will Build the Booster Motors for CoAspire's Navy CHAOS Cruise Missile
CoAspire picked X-Bow Systems to develop and produce the solid rocket boosters for its ground-launched RAACM-ER under the Navy's CHAOS program, built for allies. No value, quantity or schedule was disclosed.
The Navy plans to offer the ground-launched missile to allies through Foreign Military Sales.
CoAspire has picked X-Bow Systems to develop and produce the solid rocket boosters for the Navy's Coalition Heterogeneous Affordable Offensive Strike (CHAOS) program, X-Bow announced Oct. 27. The weapon is a ground-launched version of CoAspire's Rapidly Adaptable Affordable Cruise Missile-Extended Range (RAACM-ER). Neither company disclosed the subcontract's value, the number of motors or a delivery schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
What will X-Bow build for CHAOS?
The ground-launched solid rocket booster motors for CoAspire's RAACM-ER, which X-Bow says it was selected to develop and produce, per its Oct. 27 announcement.
Why does the missile need a booster?
RAACM-ER cruises on a small turbojet that cannot leave a launcher from a standstill. A solid rocket motor accelerates it until the wings and jet take over, then falls away, Defence Blog explained.
Who is CHAOS for?
Allies and coalition partners buying through Foreign Military Sales, according to CoAspire. No countries have been named.
How much is the deal worth?
Neither company disclosed the value of X-Bow's subcontract. CoAspire put its July Navy prototype agreement at $70 million.
Is CoAspire the only CHAOS contractor?
No. Zone 5 Technologies, a Kongsberg company, received a $65 million CHAOS agreement in August for a maritime strike Rusty Dagger variant, per Defence Blog.
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Marcus Schuler
Marcus Schuler edits BattlePolicy, a daily defense-technology brief connecting the companies and capabilities behind modern war to the contest among Europe, the US, Russia, and China.