Ursa Major Debuts HAVOC Hypersonic Missile Designed for Mass Production and Multi Platform Versatility

Ursa Major introduces HAVOC, a mass-producible hypersonic missile featuring a liquid rocket engine and multi-platform launch capabilities for the US military.

By: AXL Media

Published: Feb 28, 2026, 3:52 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Interesting Engineering

A Shift Toward Scalable Hypersonic Weaponry

The United States defense industrial base is pivoting toward more affordable and mass-producible high-speed weapons with the introduction of the HAVOC Missile System. Unveiled by Ursa Major at the Air Warfare Symposium on February 24, the HAVOC system is designed to address the urgent need for hypersonic capabilities that can be fielded in significant quantities. Unlike previous high-end prototypes that were limited by extreme costs and complex manufacturing, HAVOC is engineered for rapid output. This development signals a strategic move to match the speed and scale of global adversaries, prioritizing delivery and affordability alongside traditional performance metrics.

Liquid Propulsion as a Cost Effective Alternative

At the core of the HAVOC system is the Draper liquid rocket engine, which utilizes storable propellants to maintain a tactical edge. This propulsion choice is a significant departure from more expensive air-breathing hypersonic systems, offering a fraction of the cost while maintaining high performance. By relying heavily on additive manufacturing and modern industrial processes, Ursa Major has bypassed many of the supply chain bottlenecks that traditionally slow down missile production. According to CEO Chris Spagnoletti, the goal was to create a highly capable weapon designed from the start to be produced rapidly and in quantity, providing a credible and adaptable tool for the modern warfighter.

Innovative Throttle Control and Thermal Management

A standout technical feature of the HAVOC system is its ability to throttle and restart the engine during every phase of its flight profile, including the boost, cruise, and terminal segments. This dynamic control allows for advanced maneuvering that exceeds the capabilities of traditional boost-glide or cruise missile systems. Furthermore, because the engine can be controlled in-flight to manage thermal loads, the system does not require the heavy and expensive thermal protection materials usually necessary for hypersonic speeds. This simplification not only reduces the overall weight and cost of the missile but also significantly streamlines the manufacturing process.