Lockheed Martin and Venus Aerospace have entered into a joint technology development agreement to evaluate and advance Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine (RDRE) technology for future long-range precision fires applications.
The collaboration brings together Venus Aerospace’s flight-tested propulsion systems with Lockheed Martin’s expertise in integrating and deploying advanced defence technologies. The aim is to accelerate the transition of RDRE from demonstration to operational capability, supporting next-generation systems requiring enhanced range, speed and flexibility.
RDRE technology represents a shift from conventional rocket engines by using continuous detonation waves instead of subsonic combustion. This approach has the potential to significantly improve propulsion efficiency while reducing system complexity, enabling faster response times and extended operational reach.
The initiative aligns with growing demand for advanced yet scalable and cost-effective solutions to meet evolving mission requirements. Lockheed Martin will assess how RDRE can be integrated into practical missile applications, leveraging its strengths in system integration and manufacturing to enable deployment at scale.
“Lockheed Martin is focused on rapidly delivering advanced capabilities that strengthen deterrence and provide decisive advantages for the warfighter,” said Tim Cahill, President of 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,” stated 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.”
