L-3 Communications - Combat Propulsion Systems
L-3 Communications - Combat Propulsion Systems, a division of L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) based in Muskegon, Michigan, designs, manufactures, and tests military engines and propulsion systems — including solid-fuel ramjet and PAC-3 propulsion — for the U.S. Department of Defense, the FAA, and allied nation militaries.
- Company typePublic
- Founded1897
- HeadquartersMuskegon, United States
- Headcount5,001–10,000
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What L-3 Communications - Combat Propulsion Systems does
L-3 Communications - Combat Propulsion Systems is a Muskegon, Michigan-based defense propulsion and military engine business operating as a division of L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: LHX). The unit designs, develops, manufactures, assembles, and tests military engines and propulsion systems, with a product portfolio that includes solid-fuel ramjet propulsion systems (validated through full-scale, flight-like testing in July 2026), PAC-3 propulsion systems for the Patriot missile defense architecture, and a WESCAM MX-Series EO/IR airborne imaging line used in reconnaissance and launch-monitoring missions such as NASA Artemis II. Within the broader L3Harris portfolio, the division also contributes to multi-domain missile defense and Golden Dome-related layered solutions, and the parent operates across 3 strategic segments delivering to 100+ countries with $21.9B+ in annual revenue.
The business model is that of a traditional U.S. defense prime: revenue is generated through long-cycle government procurement contracts awarded by the U.S. Department of Defense, federal agencies such as the FAA, and allied nation militaries, with multi-year commitments (e.g., the FAA airspace surveillance modernization contract running through 2045) providing revenue visibility. Distribution is conducted through direct government procurement and field sales teams, with no public pricing disclosed. Within the division, expansion is signaled by an Arkansas facility buildout for PAC-3 propulsion production, a German Forces communication systems award, and the ramjet propulsion test milestone, all reported in June-July 2026, indicating active scaling of capacity and product line breadth in response to elevated missile defense and allied demand.
Strategically, the division sits inside a regulated, mission-critical defense supply chain that benefits from regulatory moats, classified-work facility requirements, and deep program-of-record integration with customers like the U.S. DoD, FAA, and allied militaries. Key near-term growth vectors include scaling PAC-3 production capacity, maturing ramjet propulsion toward fielding, and extending into allied European defense procurement, while the parent L3Harris's 250-year American innovation heritage and $21.9B+ revenue base provide capital and talent scale that small defense entrants cannot replicate.
L-3 Communications - Combat Propulsion Systems firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- L-3 Communications - Combat Propulsion Systems
- Legal name
- L3Harris Technologies, Inc.
- Website
- https://www2.l3t.com
- Company type
- Public
- Founded year
- 1897
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 5,001–10,000 employees
- Short description
- L-3 Communications - Combat Propulsion Systems, a division of L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) based in Muskegon, Michigan, designs, manufactures, and tests military engines and propulsion systems — including solid-fuel ramjet and PAC-3 propulsion — for the U.S. Department of Defense, the FAA, and allied nation militaries.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
L-3 Communications - Combat Propulsion Systems industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Military Propulsion Systems
- NAICS
- Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Propulsion Unit and Propulsion Unit Parts Manufacturing (336415), Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing (33641), Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511)
- SIC
- Aircraft Engines & Engine Parts (3724), Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Military Aerospace Engines & Propulsion (IMABAMAD)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- C4ISR Systems & Tactical Data Links (IMABAGAE)
Keywords
Where L-3 Communications - Combat Propulsion Systems is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Muskegon
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
L-3 Communications - Combat Propulsion Systems business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Operations
Revenue model
- Government Defense Contracts: L3Harris generates the majority of its $21.9B+ annual revenue through defense contracts with the U.S. Department of Defense, federal agencies, and allied nation governments. Revenue is derived from delivering mission-critical national security solutions including missile defense, communication systems, surveillance, and propulsion technologies. Contract structures include multi-year commitments such as the FAA contract extending through 2045.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels3 records
L-3 Communications - Combat Propulsion Systems product offering
Product offeringCore offering
L-3 Communications - Combat Propulsion Systems, a division of L3Harris Technologies, engages in the design, development, manufacture, assembly, and testing of military engines and propulsion systems. The division produces ramjet propulsion systems, PAC-3 missile propulsion components, and related combat propulsion technologies for U.S. and allied nation defense applications. Operations are based in Muskegon, Michigan, with additional manufacturing capacity expansion planned in Arkansas for PAC-3 propulsion production.
Product overview
L3Harris Technologies is a defense and国家安全 technology company with a diversified portfolio spanning multiple domains. The company operates through 3 strategic segments across more than 100 countries with $21.9B+ annual revenue. Product portfolio includes WESCAM MX-Series EO/IR airborne imaging systems for reconnaissance and surveillance missions, missile defense systems providing multi-domain layered solutions for threat identification and defeat, communication systems for military forces, ramjet propulsion systems for next-generation missiles, and PAC-3 propulsion systems for Patriot missile defense. The company positions itself as 'The Trusted Disruptor' delivering capability with speed, passion and determination.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Ramjet Propulsion Systems Full-scale, flight-like solid fuel ramjet propulsion systems focused on affordability, speed, manufacturability, and mission effectiveness for next-generation missile applications. Targeted at U.S. Department of Defense and allied nation defense customers.
- PAC-3 Propulsion Systems Propulsion systems for PAC-3 (Patriot Advanced Capability-3) missile defense. L3Harris is expanding Arkansas manufacturing capacity for increased PAC-3 propulsion production to meet demand.
- Military Engines Military engines designed, developed, manufactured, assembled, and tested for combat vehicle and military propulsion applications. Produced by the Combat Propulsion Systems division based in Muskegon, Michigan.
Quantifiable outcome
- Successfully tested full-scale, flight-like solid fuel ramjet propulsion system
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use L-3 Communications - Combat Propulsion Systems
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments2 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
L-3 Communications - Combat Propulsion Systems technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
L-3 Communications - Combat Propulsion Systems partnerships and signals
Strategic signalScale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
L-3 Communications - Combat Propulsion Systems competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Northrop Grumman: Major U.S. defense prime with significant missile defense (AEGIS, IBCS-related work), propulsion, and integrated air defense capabilities. Comparable as a broad defense incumbent competing in missile defense integration adjacent to propulsion.
- Lockheed Martin: Largest U.S. defense prime with significant missile defense (THAAD, PAC-3 integration), hypersonic, and tactical missile programs. Comparable as a broad defense incumbent with overlapping propulsion integration roles.
- General Dynamics: Major defense prime producing combat vehicles (M1 Abrams), submarines, and combat systems. Historically owned the original Combat Propulsion Systems business divested to L-3; comparable as the armored-vehicle incumbent directly tied to this division's heritage.
- Raytheon (RTX): Major U.S. defense prime producing Patriot missile defense, Standard Missile, and strike weapons with significant propulsion integration. Comparable as a competitor in missile defense and propulsion integration across adjacent Army/Navy programs.
Direct peers
- Honeywell Aerospace: Manufactures military aircraft engines, APUs, and propulsion components used across defense platforms worldwide. Comparable as a tier-one provider of advanced propulsion systems serving military aerospace and tactical applications.
- Pratt & Whitney: World-leading manufacturer of military jet engines (F135 for F-35, F119, F100) and rocket propulsion systems (RL10, etc.). Directly comparable as a primary military aerospace propulsion OEM serving defense primes and governments.
- Rolls-Royce: Manufactures military engines for combat aircraft (EJ200 for Typhoon, Adour), naval vessels, and armored vehicles. Directly comparable as a defense propulsion OEM serving similar military engine applications across land and air domains.
- GE Aerospace: Produces military jet engines including F404 and F414 for fighter aircraft and large military propulsion systems. Directly comparable as a major supplier of military aerospace engines and propulsion technology.
- Safran: Produces military aircraft engines through CFM International (JV with GE) and standalone military propulsion including rocket motors. Comparable as a military aerospace engine manufacturer serving defense primes globally.
Emerging players
- Kratos Defense & Security Solutions: Produces turbine engines, jet propulsion, and unmanned combat aerial systems for military applications. Comparable as an emerging player in niche military propulsion and tactical jet engines serving DoD needs.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
L-3 Communications - Combat Propulsion Systems social profiles
Digital presenceL-3 Communications - Combat Propulsion Systems financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
L-3 Communications - Combat Propulsion Systems leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
L-3 Communications - Combat Propulsion Systems funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
L-3 Communications - Combat Propulsion Systems M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about L-3 Communications - Combat Propulsion Systems
What does L-3 Communications - Combat Propulsion Systems do?
L-3 Communications - Combat Propulsion Systems, a division of L3Harris Technologies, engages in the design, development, manufacture, assembly, and testing of military engines and propulsion systems. The division produces ramjet propulsion systems, PAC-3 missile propulsion components, and related combat propulsion technologies for U.S. and allied nation defense applications. Operations are based in Muskegon, Michigan, with additional manufacturing capacity expansion planned in Arkansas for PAC-3 propulsion production.
Is L-3 Communications - Combat Propulsion Systems a public or private company?
L-3 Communications - Combat Propulsion Systems is a public company. It is classified as public and is currently operating.
When was L-3 Communications - Combat Propulsion Systems founded?
L-3 Communications - Combat Propulsion Systems was founded in 1897. It employs 5,001 to 10,000 people.
Where is L-3 Communications - Combat Propulsion Systems based?
L-3 Communications - Combat Propulsion Systems is headquartered in Muskegon, United States, in the North America region.
How does L-3 Communications - Combat Propulsion Systems make money?
One revenue line is on record: government Defense Contracts.
Who are L-3 Communications - Combat Propulsion Systems's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics and Raytheon (RTX). Direct peers are Honeywell Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce, GE Aerospace and Safran. Kratos Defense & Security Solutions is listed as an emerging player.
Does L-3 Communications - Combat Propulsion Systems have an API?
No public API is recorded for L-3 Communications - Combat Propulsion Systems.
What industry is L-3 Communications - Combat Propulsion Systems in?
L-3 Communications - Combat Propulsion Systems's product category is Military Propulsion Systems. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMABAMAD, Military Aerospace Engines & Propulsion, with a secondary code of IMABAGAE, C4ISR Systems & Tactical Data Links. Its NAICS code is 336415 and its SIC code is 3724.