Image source: topwar.ru
The American company Ursa Major has received a multimillion-dollar contract to supply the Draper engine to an unnamed buyer. This power plant can be used both in space interceptors and in hypersonic weapons.
Little is known about the contract itself. The press release only states that its cost is $34.9 million. The number of engines ordered and the name of the buyer were not disclosed, the information is limited only to the phrase "American aerospace and defense company."
At the same time, the manufacturer in its statements suggested the possible use of Draper in hypersonic weapons and in the prospective Golden Dome missile defense project. In particular, it was mentioned that the engine was in demand for space interception equipment. President Donald Trump announced the creation of a new missile defense system in January 2025. It should consist of ground and space segments, including early warning satellites that will report the flight of enemy ballistic or hypersonic missiles.
Image source: topwar.ru
Animation of the Draper engine
The Draper with a thrust of more than 17 kN is being developed jointly with the US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), taking into account the experience of the Hadley project (a multi-stage internal combustion engine with a high oxygen content). It runs on hydrogen peroxide and kerosene, and unlike solid-fuel engines, it can be reused and has the ability to adjust thrust. Approximately 80% of Draper parts are made using 3D printing technology. To date, the company has conducted 250 test runs of the engine.
In May 2025, Ursa Major received a $28.6 million contract from AFRL for the development of a hypersonic engine, which, according to a statement from the Ministry of Defense, should be completed by January 21, 2027. However, the company assumes that the Draper demonstration flight will take place at the end of this calendar year, with the main goal being to test the thrust control system.
