Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile
The Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile (HACM) is a scramjet-powered hypersonic air-launched cruise missile project, the successor of the Hypersonic Air-breathing Weapon Concept (HAWC) and the SCIFiRE hypersonic programs.[2]
Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile (HACM) | |
---|---|
Type | Hypersonic air-launched cruise missile |
Place of origin | United States |
Service history | |
In service | In development |
Used by | United States Air Force |
Production history | |
Designer | Raytheon Technologies |
Specifications | |
Engine | Scramjet |
Operational range | 1,000 mi (1,600 km) |
Maximum speed | >Mach 5 (6,100 km/h; 3,800 mph) |
Launch platform | F-15 Eagle[1] |
Technology developed for the HAWC demonstrator was used to influence the design of the HACM, a U.S. Air Force Program of Record to create a scramjet-powered hypersonic missile it could deploy as an operational weapon.[3]
The contract to develop HACM further was awarded to Raytheon in September 2022.[4] HACM will use a Northrop Grumman scramjet.[5][6]
The system will give the US military "tactical flexibility to employ fighters to hold high-value, time-sensitive targets at risk, while maintaining bombers for other strategic targets."[1][7][8] Following the U.S. Air Force's decision to not pursue procurement of the AGM-183 ARRW in March 2023, the HACM became the service's only hypersonic weapon program.[9]
See also
References
- Shannon Bugos (Nov 2022) First U.S. Hypersonic Deployment on Track for 2023
- "Air Force announces hypersonic missile contract award". Eglin Air Force Base.
- Successful HAWC Test Doesn’t End DARPA’s Hypersonic Scramjet Efforts. Air Force Magazine. July 22, 2022.
- "US Air Force selects Raytheon Missiles & Defense, Northrop Grumman to deliver first hypersonic air-breathing missile". RTX.com. September 22, 2022.
- "Raytheon/Northrop Grumman team selected for HACM hypersonic weapon". Janes Information Services. September 26, 2022. Archived from the original on September 26, 2022.
- "US Air Force Selects Raytheon Missiles & Defense, Northrop Grumman to Deliver First Hypersonic Air-Breathing Missile". Northrop Grumman Newsroom.
- Stephen Losey (28 Mar 2023) ARRW hypersonic missile test failed, US Air Force admits As of 13 Mar 2023 HACM is at an advantage over ARRW.
- Audrey Decker (28 Mar 2023) Failed Hypersonic Test Dims Air Force View of Lockheed Missile Air Force R&D funding for ARRW and HACM tests is $150 million and $380 million, respectively. "ARRW and HACM are just two of the U.S. military's hypersonic efforts; in all, the Pentagon is requesting $11 billion for hypersonic R&D in 2024"
- Air Force Pulls Plug On Much-Hyped Hypersonic Missile. The Drive/The War Zone. 30 March 2023.