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A New Frontier in Aerospace: Cummings Aerospace and ATRX Partnership

In a significant move for the aerospace industry, Cummings Aerospace and ATRX have formalized a collaboration focused on creating high-speed unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). This partnership aims to integrate a powerful turbo-rocket engine onto an existing airframe, pushing the boundaries of what unmanned vehicles can achieve with speeds surpassing the speed of sound, specifically targeting both supersonic and hypersonic flight capabilities.

Why This Collaboration Matters

This union is poised to enhance the operational capabilities of the U.S. military and allied forces, offering unprecedented advantages in tactical scenarios. The upcoming UAS technologies promise to affordably bolster stockpiles of hypersonic drones, an essential asset in modern warfare. With over 50,000 mostly commercial satellites projected for launch in the coming years, the partnership also has implications for the broader aerospace landscape by paving the way for versatile spaceplane technologies.

Pooling Expertise: Cummings Aerospace and ATRX

The innovative technologies harnessed by both companies will be pivotal in this collaboration. For instance, Cummings Aerospace is developing a new version of its Hellhound™ UAS, which is a family of unmanned systems designed for various specialized missions. The adaptation features:

• - Affordability: Utilizing a 3D-printed modular design coupled with commercially available hardware.
• - Quick Payload Adjustments: Enabling rapid payload swaps in under five minutes without tools, ensuring operational efficiency.

On the other hand, ATRX brings its advanced Air Turbo Rocket (ATR) propulsion system to the table, enabling hypersonic speeds that exceed five times the speed of sound. With successful prototype tests already completed, the ATR system stands ready to support the ambitious goals of this partnership.

Statements from Leadership

"The modern battlefield demands systems that can fly faster and deeper into contested territories," stated Sheila Cummings, CEO of Cummings Aerospace. She emphasized that partnering with ATRX will facilitate the development of ATR-powered UAS that embody both speed and affordability in one platform.

ATRX CEO Felix Bustos III echoed this sentiment, highlighting Cummings Aerospace's substantial contributions to the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). He expressed enthusiasm for their joint efforts, which will enhance the flight testing and validation processes of the ATR engines. They aim to mitigate risks and expedite the development of much-needed spaceplanes capable of launching numerous satellites into orbit efficiently.

Looking Ahead: Next Steps in Development

The next phase for Cummings Aerospace and ATRX involves integrating the ATR engine into a specialized version of the Hellhound designed to achieve high-speed flight. Testing phases will begin with both subsonic and supersonic flights, marking an exciting chapter in aerospace innovation.

Huntsville, Alabama—a thriving hub for aerospace talent—will be instrumental in this venture. Bustos noted the city’s skilled workforce as a vital asset in establishing it as the future manufacturing epicenter for hypersonic and spaceplane technologies.

About Cummings Aerospace

Based in Huntsville, Alabama, Cummings Aerospace is a Native American Woman-Owned Small Business dedicated to delivering advanced weapon system solutions and fostering defense readiness. Their portfolio includes missile systems, hypersonic vehicles, and various technologies crucial to modern defense strategies. For more information, visit Cummings Aerospace.

About ATRX

ATRX is an innovative company also based in Huntsville, Alabama, focusing on developing spaceplanes for economical and on-demand space launch applications. Emphasizing point-to-point hypersonic vehicle development, ATRX aims to facilitate quick travel and satellite deployment across extensive distances. To learn more, visit ATRX.