X-Bow Systems selected by US Army for 3D-printed missile motors

The United States Army has entered into an agreement with Leidos and X-Bow Systems to utilize additive manufacturing for the Low Cost Containerized Munition (LCCM) program. This initiative focuses on developing cost-effective cruise missiles designed to be launched from specialized containers.

Additive manufacturing is being leveraged to meet strategic requirements for high-volume production and rapid replenishment of munitions. X-Bow Systems is specifically tasked with developing and constructing the rocket motors for the LCCM program using 3D-printing technology.

In a related development regarding intellectual property, a patent application (US20260309106A1) was published in the United States detailing methods for modulating internal ballistics in 3D-printed rocket motors. This application is part of a long-standing patent family dating back to 2020, building upon previously granted patents from 2023 and 2025.