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The anatomy of a missile and the manufacturing it demands

A tactical missile draws on 10+ distinct manufacturing processes across six major sections. Most prime contractors manage those processes across 12–20 separate suppliers. Walk through its anatomy and see where risk is likely to build during the replenishment surge.

Accelerating production requires thinking beyond the parts

In precision missile manufacturing, a machined component can hit its target date while finishing, non-destructive testing, or documentation still delays its release. Coordinating those downstream handoffs early helps ensure complete, accepted kits arrive when assembly needs them, avoiding situations where an unfinished secondary process holds up otherwise ready hardware.

This infographic illustrates the complexity of the modern missile and the number of primary manufacturing steps and secondary processes it requires.

Centalizing part manufacturing and post-processing among fewer suppliers is one way to coordinate early planning across these secondary processes to help protect your delivery schedules. That’s the Fathom model, with 30+ manufacturing processes under one integrated organization, secondary processes and quality standards.

Missile Anatomy — Fathom Manufacturing