Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Propulsion Unit and Parts Manufacturing
Size Standard: 1,250 employees
NAICS code 336415 covers establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing guided missile and space vehicle propulsion units and propulsion unit parts. This includes rocket motors, rocket engines, and the specialized components that enable missiles and space vehicles to fly.
Propulsion represents a critical and highly specialized segment of the aerospace industry. The Department of Defense relies on rocket motors for missiles ranging from shoulder-fired weapons to intercontinental ballistic missiles. Propulsion performance directly affects missile range, speed, and lethality.
Space launch propulsion is essential for national security and civil space programs. Both solid and liquid propulsion systems require specialized materials, processes, and testing capabilities. Propulsion development and sustainment programs represent substantial ongoing investment.
Strategic propulsion capabilities are considered essential to national security, driving policies to maintain domestic manufacturing capability. The industrial base for solid rocket motors and critical propulsion components receives special attention to ensure supply chain resilience.
While complete propulsion unit manufacturing is concentrated among major primes, the supply chain for components, propellants, materials, and specialized parts includes smaller manufacturers. Small businesses with specialized capabilities in energetic materials, high-temperature alloys, composites, or precision manufacturing can find niches in propulsion supply chains.
- U.S. Air Force (USAF)
- Missile Defense Agency (MDA)
- U.S. Navy (USN)
- NASA
- U.S. Space Force (USSF)
- Solid Rocket Motor Components
- Liquid Rocket Engine Parts
- Propulsion System Development
- Rocket Motor Cases Manufacturing
- Nozzle and Thrust Vector Control
These certifications can help you compete for set-aside contracts under NAICS 336415:
What is manufactured under NAICS 336415?
This code covers rocket motors, rocket engines, and propulsion unit parts for missiles and space vehicles. It includes both solid propellant motors and liquid propulsion systems.
What is the size standard for NAICS 336415?
The SBA size standard for NAICS 336415 is 1,250 employees, reflecting the specialized capabilities required for propulsion manufacturing.
What makes propulsion manufacturing so specialized?
Propulsion involves energetic materials handling, extreme temperatures, precise chemistry, and specialized testing. Safety requirements are stringent. Special permits and facilities are required for propellant manufacturing.
What industrial base concerns exist?
Strategic propulsion capabilities are considered essential to national security. Policy initiatives support domestic manufacturing for solid rocket motors, critical materials, and supply chain resilience. This creates opportunities but also scrutiny.
What supply chain opportunities exist for small businesses?
Small businesses manufacture propulsion components including motor cases, nozzles, igniters, specialty materials, composites, and high-temperature alloys. Specialized testing and engineering services also support propulsion programs.
Businesses below this threshold in average annual receipts qualify as small businesses for set-aside contracts.
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