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What is being built, and where?
Avio USA, a subsidiary of Avio S.p.A., is developing an approximately 900,000-square-foot manufacturing plant at Southern Virginia Multimodal Park in Hurt. The planned facility is intended to make solid rocket motors for U.S. tactical missile programs. HITT’s announcement identifies HITT Contracting as the general contractor. HITT is the construction contractor, not the plant owner or motor manufacturer.
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Avio USA describes the site as its first U.S. manufacturing facility. The company says it operates under a DCSA Special Security Agreement; its parent, Avio S.p.A., is based in Rome and has experience in space launchers and solid, liquid and cryogenic propulsion.
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How much is the project worth?
Construction Dive and Engineering News-Record report an investment exceeding $500 million. HITT’s announcement does not state a project cost, so the amount should be understood as trade-reported rather than a figure disclosed in the contractor’s release. Construction Dive and Engineering News-Record covered the reported investment.
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- [Reliable C6-5 Performance] Each C6-5 engine delivers a total impulse of 10.0 Newton-seconds with a 5-second delay between thrust burnout and ejection charge activation, providing optimal altitude for parachute deployment on mid-power model rockets.
- [Convenient 3-Pack] Includes three individually sealed C6-5 rocket motors, giving you multiple launches per package — ideal for repeat flights, field testing, or stocking up for launch day events without needing to reorder frequently.
- [Wide Rocket Compatibility] Designed to fit standard 18mm motor mount tubes, these engines are compatible with a broad range of Estes and other model rockets engineered for C-class motors, including popular kits like the Alpha, Crossfire ISX, and more.
- [Trusted Brand Quality] Manufactured by Estes Cox Corporation, the industry leader in model rocketry since 1958, each engine undergoes rigorous quality control to ensure consistent thrust, reliable ignition, and safe ejection charge performance flight after flight.
- [Safe and Easy to Use] Engines are designed for use with standard Estes igniters and launch controllers, requiring no special tools or modifications — simply insert, connect the igniter, and launch. Recommended for rocketeers ages 10 and up with adult supervision.
When will construction finish and production begin?
Avio USA’s announced schedule calls for construction completion in late 2028, followed by production beginning in early 2029. These are projected milestones, not completed events. The release does not provide a more precise completion date or a production ramp-up schedule. The company and HITT announcement gives the expected timeline.
What capacity and jobs does Avio USA expect?
The announcement says the plant is designed for annual output in the thousands of solid rocket motors, but does not give an exact production figure. Avio USA also projects roughly 1,500 technical jobs in Southern Virginia. Both figures are company expectations; they do not establish actual annual output or employment once the site is operating. HITT’s project announcement provides the facility size, output description and jobs forecast.
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Who is the plant expected to serve?
Avio USA says the facility is intended to support defense-industry requirements, including programs involving Lockheed Martin and Raytheon. Their inclusion in the announcement provides customer and program context, but does not by itself confirm a specific contract award, contract value, or that either company is already receiving motors from the new plant. Production is not expected to begin until 2029 under the announced schedule. The announcement names the companies in this intended context.
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The project marks a planned expansion of U.S. solid rocket motor manufacturing capacity, backed by a large new facility and a multi-year construction schedule. Virginia Secretary Hung Cao characterized the need as expanding suppliers and accelerating production of solid rocket motors and munitions. The project figures, however, do not quantify a national supply shortfall or establish the facility’s eventual contribution to overall U.S. production.
Quick Recap
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- BEGINNER MODEL-ROCKET-BUILDING KIT: The Estes Prospector launch set offers kids ages 10+ and rocketeer enthusiasts a hands-on introduction to aerospace and physics. It includes rocket parts, design decals, recovery parachute, launch system, and instructions. Each model requires Estes rocket engines, starters, recovery wadding, and 4 high-quality 1.5-volt AA alkaline batteries (sold separately).
- SOARS UP TO 1,000 FT.: The Prospector model rocket features a durable body design that demonstrates aerodynamic principles and can reach a projected altitude of using an Estes rocket engine (sold separately). It can reach a projected altitude of 1,000 ft. (305 m) using a C6-5 Estes rocket engine (sold separately). It is compatible with 1/2A6-2, A8-3 and B6-4 rocket engines.
- READY TO ASSEMBLE: Each beginner rocket kit can be completed in approximately 1 hour or less. Then pair it with the included Estes Porta-Pad II Pad and Electron Beam Controller.
- SAFETY FIRST, FUN ALWAYS: Our rockets and rocket launch accessories are designed to be used with the NAR (National Association of Rocketry) model-rocket safety code. Always ensure you have an appropriate launch site, stand back at least 15 ft., insert the safety key, issue a countdown, and then you can let your rocket fly!
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- Intermediate Assembly Skills Required
- Military-Scale Rocket, Uses D, E Estes or D, E, F Aerotech Motors (Not Included)
- 34" Tall
- Includes laser-cut plywood centering rings and fins, plastic nose and tail-cone, 18" plastic parachute.
- Ejection Baffle (no wadding required)
Rank #3
- Two-Stage Adventure: Fly as a single or two-stage rocket; uses D or E Estes motors for the first stage, B or C motors for the second (not included).
- Intermediate Skill Level. Previous rocket-building experience recommended.
- Quality Kit: Over 30" tall, with plastic nose cone, ejection baffle (no wadding required), and pre-marked tubes for easier assembly.
- Decorative Details: Bands, hatches, and decals included; hatches are optional.
- Pre-assembled Parachute: Ensures a safe return to Earth post-launch.
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